Mayor R. Rex Parris, a Republican, has sparked controversy by suggesting that the solution to his city’s homelessness crisis is to “give them all the fentanyl they want” and by advocating for a federal “purge” of the homeless population.
During a February 25 city council meeting, Parris responded to a resident’s question about plans to address homelessness by stating, “What I want to do is give them free fentanyl. That’s what I want to do. I want to give them all the fentanyl they want.”
The mayor later clarified in an interview with Fox 11 that his comments targeted the “criminal element” among the homeless, alleging without evidence that they are responsible for a significant portion of local crimes.
“I don’t regret saying it. I’m happy that we’re focusing the attention on an aspect of this problem to want to look at. These people are killing our citizens. Not a lot of them, but some of them. They have no respect for law and order.”
WATCH:
NEW: California mayor says he wants give homeless people “all the fentanyl they want,” doubles down on his comments after facing backlash.
Woman: “It sounds like you want to kind of enclose all these homeless people in one territory.”
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris: “What I want… pic.twitter.com/mOBRW6k2tl
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 21, 2025
According to Fox News, Parris clarified that his remarks were not meant to be taken “literally,” explaining that fentanyl is already “so easy” to obtain on the streets that offering it for free to homeless individuals would make no real difference.
“Quite frankly, I wish that the president would give us a purge. Because we do need to purge these people,” Parris said.
“Now, is it harsh? Of course, it is harsh. But it’s my obligation as the mayor of the city of Lancaster to protect the hardworking families that live there, and I am no longer able to do it… It’s an untenable situation, and I’m open to any solution… I want these people out of our city.”
“I made it very clear I was talking about the criminal element that were let out of the prisons that have now become 40 to 45% of what’s referred to as the homeless population,” Parris said.
“They are responsible for most of our robberies, most of our rapes, and at least half of our murders… There’s nothing that we can do for these people.”
Fox News report:
The mayor is now facing a recall effort following his comments at the city council meeting, although it has only collected 6% of its goal of 20,000 signatures. He has faced past scrutiny over his controversial moves, including his decision to extend mayoral terms from two years to four.
“For too long, Mayor R. Rex Parris has prioritized personal gain over the well-being of residents. His administration has been marked by mismanagement, controversial policies, and a disregard for transparency,” a recall petition reads.
“Lancaster deserves leadership that listens, serves, and uplifts the community – not one that divides and exploits it,” it adds.
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