A mom is accused of buying ammunition and tactical gear for her son, who authorities say was planning ‘mass targeted violence’ at a Texas school

CNN - May 15th, 2025

In Texas, Ashley Pardo, 33, has been arrested and charged with aiding her son in planning a 'mass targeted violence' attack at a San Antonio school. According to an arrest affidavit, Pardo purchased tactical gear and ammunition for her son despite being aware of his intentions to commit acts of mass violence. The alarming plot targeted Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School, causing heightened fear and leading to increased security measures. Pardo's actions and her son's behavior have drawn significant concern from local law enforcement, child protective services, and school personnel.

The situation underscores the severe implications of parental involvement in potential acts of violence, raising questions about responsibility and prevention. This case highlights the growing concerns around school safety and the influence of extremist ideologies on youth. The discovery of white supremacist symbols and references in the boy's possession further emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring of such threats. Pardo, who has requested a court-appointed attorney, is set to appear in court on July 17. The incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring student safety and preventing school violence.

School Safety San Antonio Bexar County Ashley Pardo Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School Mass Targeted Violence White Supremacist Ideology

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a detailed account of a serious incident involving a mother's alleged support of her son's plan to commit mass violence at a school. It scores well in accuracy due to its reliance on an arrest affidavit and clear presentation of facts. However, the story could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including comments from the accused or her representatives and insights from experts. The source quality is solid but could be improved with additional independent verification. The story is timely and addresses significant public interest issues, contributing to its relevance. While it has the potential to influence public opinion on school safety and parental responsibility, its impact could be enhanced with broader context and expert analysis. Overall, the article is clear and easy to read, though it could engage readers more effectively with interactive elements and diverse viewpoints.

Accuracy

The story presents a detailed account of the arrest of Ashley Pardo for allegedly aiding her son in planning a school attack. The factual claims regarding Pardo's arrest, the alleged plot, and the items found in the boy's possession are consistent with the information provided in the affidavit. Specific details, such as the tactical gear and the homemade explosive device, are well-documented in the story, lending credibility to its accuracy. However, the story relies heavily on the arrest affidavit and does not provide independent verification of these claims, which would strengthen its factual basis.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the allegations against Ashley Pardo and her son's behavior, presenting a narrative that may seem one-sided. While it mentions attempts to contact Pardo and the public defender’s office for comment, it does not include perspectives from them or any defense statements, which could provide a more balanced view. Additionally, the story lacks input from experts on juvenile behavior or legal implications, which could offer a broader context.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and presents information in a clear and logical manner. It effectively outlines the sequence of events and the charges against Pardo, making it easy for readers to follow. The language is straightforward and neutral, contributing to the story's clarity. However, the inclusion of more background information on the legal process or potential outcomes could enhance understanding for readers unfamiliar with such topics.

Source quality

The primary source for the story is an arrest affidavit, which is a credible legal document. The article also references local law enforcement and school officials, adding to its reliability. However, the lack of direct quotes from these sources or independent verification from additional sources slightly diminishes the overall source quality. The story could benefit from more diverse and authoritative sources to enhance credibility.

Transparency

The story clearly attributes its information to an arrest affidavit and mentions attempts to reach out to involved parties for comments, demonstrating some level of transparency. However, it does not provide a detailed explanation of how the information was obtained or the potential limitations of relying solely on legal documents. Greater transparency about the reporting process would improve reader trust.