Police Chief Targets Progressive Mayor with Harassment Allegations Amid Budget Crisis
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St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry has filed a formal complaint accusing Mayor Kaohly Her—one of the city's few women of color leaders—of sexual harassment and unlawful communications, as the city faces a major budget shortfall and ongoing attacks on progressive leadership.
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry has escalated tensions with City Hall by filing a formal complaint against Mayor Kaohly Her, alleging sexual harassment and illegal employment practices toward subordinate city employees, including police department members. The complaint, delivered by the chief’s attorney Chris Madel to city attorney Irene Kao, references supposedly inappropriate text messages from the mayor’s mobile devices and demands a full extraction of her phone data—a move that raises concerns about privacy and the weaponization of internal investigations against progressive leaders.
"The mayor has used one or more mobile phones to communicate inappropriate, and, indeed, unlawful text messages," the letter claims, attaching a partially redacted screenshot referencing a workplace tradition called “Weiner Wednesdays.”
The mayor’s office, upholding the principles of due process and confidentiality, declined to comment, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation. A spokesperson reiterated Mayor Her’s respect for city employees and expressed regret for any unintended impact, highlighting her commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace.
The letter notes that the city had already decided to investigate the mayor’s conduct, regardless of whether the police chief filed a complaint, and ominously hints at potential litigation. It also demands preservation of all electronic communications on the mayor’s devices, raising questions about the scope and intent of the investigation.
Chief Henry refused to comment further, citing his focus on public safety after a recent homicide investigation. Neither the department nor the chief issued additional statements, leaving the public with more questions than answers.
These allegations surface as Mayor Her faces relentless scrutiny, including a previously dismissed restraining order petition from a former confidante—an incident that was thrown out by a legal referee. Meanwhile, the mayor is working to address a $26 million budget shortfall, considering all options to protect essential services, including staff cuts and tax increases, as she continues to prioritize the needs of St. Paul’s most vulnerable residents.