SAN ANTONIO (WOAI) — The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) provided details surrounding the recent arrest of a 33-year-old mother who is accused of helping her child plot a terror attack on his school.

RELATED |Mother charged with helping child plot terror attack on school

Ashley Pardo was arrested and charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism after her son was found to have been plotting an attack against Rhodes Middle School.

"Her behavior is not only dangerous, it's abhorrent, especially as a parent," said San Antonio Police Chief William McManus. "She appeared to be dismissive and unconcerned with her son's behavior."

Chief McManus discussed the details surrounding the arrest of two individuals, including Pardo and a juvenile, and how multiple agencies investigated the case, bringing about a charge that has never been used in Bexar County until now. San Antonio ISD police were also in attendance.

RELATED | An inside look at the San Antonio team working to stop threats before they escalate

"This relatively new law focuses on stopping violence and during and stopping violence during the planning phase," explained Chief McManus.

The investigation into the student began in January of 2025, when it was discovered that the child had made disturbing drawings alluding to acts of violence, including his school's name. Detectives then learned of the child's fascination with mass shooters and their manifestos.

In April of 2025, the child was found to have been researching the brutal attacks at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, and was subsequently suspended. The child then attended an alternative school until May 7, 2025, returning to his home campus the following day. Upon the child's return, new security measures were enacted by the campus due to concerns surrounding the child's fascination with mass-targeted violence.

On May 11, the child's grandmother, with whom he lived intermittently due to his behavior issues, found him hitting a live bullet with a hammer and promptly stopped him, asking where he found the ammunition.

The child told his grandmother that his mother, Ashley Pardo, had given him the ammunition. The grandmother had also learned that Pardo had been taking the child to military surplus stores, having purchased for him military clothing, including a tactical helmet, a tactical vest capable of holding armor plates, and various handgun and rifle magazines in exchange for babysitting his younger siblings.

The grandmother then reportedly went through the child's room and found the magazines loaded with various ammunition. She also said she found an improvised explosive device made with a mortar-style firework and a note on the kitchen table, with various references to mass shootings and terror attacks, as well as various references to white supremacy and Nazism.

"This case started with a tip, and we take every tip seriously," said Chief McManus. "Most attackers show warning signs, obsessive interest in past violence, graphic fantasies, weapons stockpiling or violent writings. These signs must be reported. That's exactly what happened on Monday, family members spoke up, and within hours, law enforcement responded, implemented safety plans and took action

According to the affidavit, Pardo has known about the child's threats and concerning behavior and has been in constant contact with local law enforcement, child protective services, and school personnel. However, the affidavit describes Pardo as being dismissive of the child's behavior, allegedly expressing to the school her support for her child's violent expressions and drawings, and voicing no concern for his behavior.

Chief McManus said the juvenile arrived at Rhodes Middle School wearing a mask and tactical gear but then left.

Pardo is accused of knowingly facilitating her child's desire to carry out acts of mass violence. She was arrested on May 12, but has since posted a bond of $75,000.

"The juvenile remains in custody at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Facility pending a judge's decision," said Chief McManus.

A former employer of Prado, Cream Cocktail Lounge, issued a statement on Instagram in response to backlash over their employment of her. The establishment says they fired Prado immediately once they became aware of the charges filed against her. Read the full statement below.