A firestorm has erupted over Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris’ recent comments about the city’s homeless population.
In February, and again last week, the mayor quipped that homeless people should be given “all the fentanyl they want.” He also called on President Donald Trump to help “purge” Lancaster of its unhoused residents. “I want these people out of our city,” he added.
Parris has since said he was referring to the population’s criminal elements. That clarification has not eased the outrage.
A recall effort is getting underway. It’s led by Johnathon Ervin and Mark Maldonado, who both lost their races against Parris last year.
“Anyone willing to give homeless people all the fentanyl they want, or to suggest that President Trump should allow a purge of the homeless population, has no business in public office,” Ervin told the Los Angeles Times.
Parris has served as Lancaster’s mayor since 2008. During his tenure, he has seen his fair share of controversies. In 2021, the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California alleged systemic harassment and abuse of homeless people in the city.
Read more about the mayor’s comments and the public reaction here.