A Texas mother has been arrested for allegedly buying ammunition and tactical gear for her son who she knew was planning "mass targeted violence" at his school, officials said.
Prosecutors say Ashley Pardo, 33, was aware of her son's obsession with violence, and "intentionally and knowingly aided" his violent goals in exchange for him babysitting his younger siblings.
On Monday, the student showed up to Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio "wearing a mask, camouflage jacket and tactical pants but left shortly after", police said. He was later detained off-campus.
The mother was arrested the same day after the boy's grandmother called police to say Ms Pardo had bought the gun for him.
On Saturday, the 13-year-old boy's grandmother walked into his bedroom to find him playing with live ammunition and a hammer, according to a police affidavit.
She also found a homemade explosive made from a firework, on which the boy had written the name of an Australian man who attacked two mosques in New Zealand in 2019.
The grandmother reportedly told police that Ms Pardo had taken him to a military surplus store to purchase gear, including ammunition, a tactical vest and a helmet.
Police said that the student, who has not been named, told his grandmother on Monday that he was "going to be famous" before leaving for school.
The boy showed up at school "wearing a mask, camouflage jacket and tactical pants", but left shortly after, authorities said. Investigators and school officials did not know where the student was for a period of time, the court document states.
"The student was detained off-campus and charged with terrorism," the school said in a note to parents. The note added that he had been investigated for "some posts the student made online".
Texas mother accused of helping son plan school shooting
Police say Ashley Pardo "knowingly aided" her son's plans to attack his school in exchange for him babysitting his younger siblings.
Eyebrows meant for El Salvador.
