Texas Woman Allegedly Purchased Guns for Son’s School Shooting Plot, Say Police: What We Know

A woman in Texas, Ashley Pardo, faces serious charges for allegedly helping her 13-year-old son prepare for a school shooting. Police say she bought him firearms and tactical gear as a reward for babysitting. The boy had previously expressed a strong desire to commit such an act.

On the day of the incident, the boy attended Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio. He told his grandmother he was “going to be famous” before leaving the school shortly after arriving. The police later arrested him off-campus, and he now faces charges related to terrorism and weapons possession.

San Antonio’s police chief, William McManus, emphasized the alarming nature of this case. He noted that this is the first time anyone in Bexar County has been charged with terrorism under a new state law enacted in 2023. McManus highlighted the mother’s apparent lack of concern for her son’s troubling behavior, which had been apparent since January.

Concerns about school violence have been rising. A recent survey found that nearly 60% of parents are worried about their children’s safety at school. Experts suggest that early intervention and support systems can be crucial in addressing violent behavior in youth.

The boy had displayed red flags like drawing a map of the school labeled “suicide route” and expressing fascination with past mass shootings. These signs underline the importance of monitoring children’s interests and behaviors, especially in today’s context where school shootings are tragically not uncommon.

As we think about these incidents, discussions about mental health support and the role of parents in recognizing warning signs have never been more vital. Addressing these issues can help prevent similar situations and enhance youth safety in schools.

For more information on school safety and prevention strategies, you can refer to resources provided by the National Association of School Psychologists here.

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School Discipline (Students),Education (K-12),Bexar County (Tex),Christchurch (New Zealand)