St. Paul police chief files complaint alleging mayor's sexual harassment of staff

The St. Paul police chief, Axel Henry, has filed a formal complaint alleging that Mayor Kaohly Her engaged in 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, cites inappropriate text messages sent from the mayor’s mobile devices and requests a full extraction of the mayor’s phone data.

"The mayor has used one or more mobile phones to communicate inappropriate, and, indeed, unlawful text messages," the letter states, attaching a partially redacted screenshot of a message that referenced a workplace tradition known as “Weiner Wednesdays.”

The mayor’s office declined to comment, citing the need to protect confidentiality and the integrity of the investigation. A spokesperson said the mayor respects city employees and regrets any unintended impact of her actions.

The letter indicates that the city has already decided to investigate the mayor’s conduct, regardless of whether the police chief files a formal complaint, and warns that litigation could be foreseeable. It also demands preservation of all electronic communications on the mayor’s devices.

Police Chief Henry did not comment on the allegations, noting his focus on public safety following a recent homicide investigation. Neither the police department nor the chief issued further statements.

The allegations come amid ongoing scrutiny of Mayor Her’s leadership. Earlier this year, a petition for an emergency restraining order filed by a former confidante was dismissed by a legal referee. The mayor is also preparing a budget proposal to address a projected $26 million shortfall, indicating that all options, including staff cuts and tax increases, are being considered.