Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris, a Republican, made the comments during a city council meeting on Feb. 25. (City of Lancaster)
The resident replied that the mayor's approach "was not kind."
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.
But Parris has reaffirmed his position about wanting to give homeless people the illicit drug that kills thousands of Californians per year. He told Fox 11 on Friday that he has no regrets about his remarks and that he was referring to homeless criminals who "refuse" to seek help.
The mayor said he wants a federal "purge" to eliminate the homeless population. (Getty Images)
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"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," he continued. "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."
Parris, who has been mayor since 2008 and won re-election last year, also made a controversial move in 2018 when he proposed banning workplace dress codes that require wearing neckties over claims that they restrict blood flow to the brain.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/california-mayor-wants-give-homeless-people-all-fentanyl-want-need-purge-people