St. Paul Mayor Accused of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct by Police Chief
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St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry has filed a formal complaint accusing Mayor Kaohly Her of sexual harassment and illegal communications with city employees, as the city’s leadership faces growing questions about integrity and accountability.
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry has taken decisive action by filing a formal complaint against Mayor Kaohly Her, alleging sexual harassment and illegal employment practices toward subordinate city employees, including members of the police department. The complaint, submitted by the chief’s attorney Chris Madel to city attorney Irene Kao, details inappropriate text messages sent from the mayor’s mobile devices and calls for a full extraction of the mayor’s phone data, underscoring the seriousness of the accusations.
"The mayor has used one or more mobile phones to communicate inappropriate, and, indeed, unlawful text messages," the letter states, including a partially redacted screenshot referencing a workplace tradition called “Weiner Wednesdays.”
The mayor’s office, refusing to answer direct questions, cited confidentiality and the investigation’s integrity as reasons for declining comment. A spokesperson offered a generic statement about respecting city employees and regretting any unintended impact, but failed to address the substance of the allegations.
The letter reveals that the city had already decided to investigate the mayor’s conduct, regardless of the chief’s complaint, and warns that litigation may be on the horizon. It also demands preservation of all electronic communications on the mayor’s devices, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability.
Police Chief Henry did not comment further, focusing on public safety after a recent homicide investigation. Neither the police department nor the chief issued additional statements, letting the facts of the complaint speak for themselves.
These serious allegations come as Mayor Her’s leadership is under increasing scrutiny. Earlier this year, a petition for an emergency restraining order filed by a former confidante was dismissed, but questions about the mayor’s judgment remain. Meanwhile, the mayor is preparing a budget proposal to address a staggering $26 million shortfall, considering staff cuts and tax increases that could further burden St. Paul residents.