St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her Under Investigation for Disturbing Harassment Allegations
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Mayor Kaohly Her is under a city-ordered sexual harassment investigation after multiple allegations of inappropriate conduct, including explicit texts to a city employee. The police chief's attorney has warned that litigation is likely, raising serious concerns about leadership and accountability in St. Paul.
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is embroiled in a city-commissioned sexual harassment investigation following a series of deeply troubling complaints about her conduct. The mayor’s attorney confirmed that the police chief’s lawyer sent a letter on April 1, stating that Her sent 'inappropriate and ... unlawful text messages' to a city employee, and that litigation is 'reasonably foreseeable.'
Former deputy police chief Joe Thompson, now represented by former acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Joe Thompson, has alleged that Her exposed her breasts and made sexual comments to the deputy chief in a police department locker room, as well as making sexualized noises in the gym. Additionally, a former City Hall staffer reported that Her had repeatedly grabbed a male colleague’s buttocks in public and referenced the incidents to others.
Despite the gravity of these allegations, Mayor Her issued a statement claiming she respects the investigative process and is confident the full facts will emerge, while only expressing regret for any unintended impact. Police Chief Axel Henry, in a responsible move, sent an email to department staff urging respect for the investigation and discouraging speculation.
The city’s human-resources department has had to hire an outside law firm to conduct the probe, a necessary step given the seriousness of the accusations. The mayor’s office tried to downplay the situation as a standard response, but public reaction has been swift: many are calling for Her’s resignation, while some of her supporters attempt to excuse her behavior as part of her 'unfiltered style.'
This investigation comes at a time when St. Paul is already facing major challenges, including budget issues, rising tensions between police and the homeless, and controversial plans to clear homeless encampments—problems that demand strong, ethical leadership, not more scandal and distraction.