Overview

• Mayor Rex Parris proposed giving homeless individuals 'all the fentanyl they want' and later called for a federal 'purge' during a February city council meeting and a recent interview.
• Parris claims his comments were metaphorical, expressing frustration with unhoused individuals he characterizes as criminals, though critics argue his remarks are dangerous and literal.
• A recall campaign against Parris, led by former political opponents, has gained traction but faces legal challenges over alleged irregularities in the petition process.
• The city clerk has filed a lawsuit against recall organizers, citing false or misleading information in the notice of intent to circulate the petition.
• Lancaster has a history of aggressive anti-homeless enforcement, with past ACLU reports accusing the city of civil liberties violations against unhoused populations.