A San Antonio mother has been arrested on charges of helping her 13-year-old son commit terrorism.
Ashley Pardo dropped her son off at Rhodes Middle School Monday morning, but he was later arrested off-campus after the San Antonio Independent School District police department investigated his online posts, the school’s principal Felismina Martinez said in a letter to parents later that day.
Pardo, 33, was also arrested on Monday by the San Antonio Police Department, accused of aiding in the commission of terrorism. Her son was charged with terrorism.
“Please know we take potential threats seriously and act immediately to protect everyone in our care,” Martinez said in the letter. “Student safety is a top priority at SAISD schools, and we want to keep families informed of situations as soon as we are able.”
During a press conference with reporters on Thursday, San Antonio Police Department and SAISD officials said Pardo’s son has raised concerns before. They have not released his name, but say he will not be released from jail.
“Most attackers show warning signs, obsessive interest in past violence, graphic fantasies, weapons stockpiling or violent writings,” SAPD Chief William McManus said. “These signs must be reported.”
Last October, Child Protective Services approached SAPD with reports on Pardo’s family indicating such warning signs, McManus said.
In January, campus administrators found the boy “drawing violent pictures,” and in April, he was found researching mass shootings on a school computer. He was suspended and attempted suicide the same day.
After his suspension, the boy attended an alternative school in the district, but was allowed to return to Rhodes on May 7.
The boy’s grandmother, who he sometimes stayed with, recently reported him and his mother to SAPD after witnessing her grandson hitting a live bullet with a hammer and finding several weapons in her home.
Before being arrested, Pardo was contacted by CPS and the police after her son’s violent drawings were found, but she was “dismissive and unconcerned,” McManus said.
In fact, Pardo bought her son tactical gear, — which he was wearing the day he was arrested — a mask, ammunition and magazines. McManus also said police found some “very disturbing things” when searching her house.
A judge set Pardo’s bail at $75,000. She was released on Tuesday, according to KSAT.
Whether the child will be allowed back on campus in the future is unclear.
SAISD officials will not release additional details while the investigation remains active, said spokesperson Laura Short.
“However, it is essential to know we have strict protocols in place to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff. The safety and well-being of our students and staff will always be our highest priority,” Short said.
The school district has an anonymous reporting system where families and students can report bullying, online threats and other safety concerns.
Because of the grandmother’s tip to the police, SAPD’s behavioral threat assessment group was able to quickly coordinate with SAISD’s police department, the FBI and the Southwest Texas Fusion Center and implement a “safety action plan,” McManus said.
In the aftermath of a violent event, McManus added, people will often recognize the signs and regret not saying anything to authorities.
“If you see something or hear something, you need to report it to whatever authority.”
