CA Mayor Calls for Fentanyl “Purge” to Clear Homeless Camps [WATCH]

Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris is facing growing backlash following remarks he made during a city council meeting in February, where he suggested giving homeless individuals “all the fentanyl they want” and called for a national “purge” to address homelessness, as reported by Fox News.

The comments have prompted a recall effort and renewed scrutiny of the longtime mayor’s leadership.

During the February 25 meeting, a resident raised concerns over the city’s plan to relocate homeless individuals into a single encampment on a defunct golf course near a residential area.

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In response, Parris said, “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.”

‘Give them all the fentanyl they want’ — Mayor repeats radical plan to ‘purge’ Lancaster of homeless

‘There is nothing that we can do for these people,’ Rex Parris claimed. ‘They are responsible for most of our robberies, most of our rapes and at least half of our murders.’ pic.twitter.com/HsXpEYuy8c

— RT (@RT_com) April 21, 2025

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When the resident objected, calling the suggestion unkind, Parris doubled down and later expanded on his views in an interview with Fox 11.

“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. They are responsible for most of our robberies, most of our rapes, and at least half of our murders.”

The mayor did not cite evidence for his claims about crime rates among the homeless population.

Parris also stated that he did not expect his fentanyl comment to be taken literally, arguing that fentanyl is already readily accessible on the streets and adding that offering it for free “wouldn’t make a difference.”

He stressed that his focus was on individuals who “refuse” help and pose a public safety threat.

Parris, who has served as Lancaster’s mayor since 2008 and was re-elected last year, has previously stirred controversy. In 2018, he suggested banning workplace necktie requirements, claiming ties restrict blood flow to the brain.

He also drew criticism after extending mayoral terms from two to four years.

Following the most recent controversy, a group of residents has launched a recall effort. The petition accuses the mayor of mismanagement, divisive leadership, and prioritizing personal interests over the community’s well-being.

As of now, only 6% of the 20,000-signature goal has been collected.

Despite the pushback, Parris remains unapologetic.

“Quite frankly, I wish that the president would give us a purge. Because we do need to purge these people. 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.”

He added, “It’s an untenable situation, and I’m open to any solution… I want these people out of our city.”

We need to ‘purge’ the homeless – California mayor #Lancaster Mayor #Rex_Parris doubles down on his take, blaming the criminal element of the homeless population#California #USA https://t.co/0WQDbaAHGC
‘Give them all the fentanyl they want’ — Mayor repeated radical plan… pic.twitter.com/X6GdKhIalm

— ⚡️ World News ⚡️ (@ferozwala) April 21, 2025

Parris also defended Lancaster’s approach to homelessness, stating the city has provided more “innovative” solutions than other U.S. cities. The mayor has not indicated any plans to walk back his remarks.

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