St. Paul Police Chief Sues Mayor and City Over Harassment Allegations

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry sued Mayor Kaohly Her and the city for sexual harassment and retaliation.

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry filed a lawsuit against Mayor Kaohly Her and the City of St. Paul on September 23, 2026, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. The suit asserts six counts including violations of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Whistleblower Act, and Human Rights Act, alongside aiding-and-abetting and common-law battery claims against Mayor Her personally.[courthousenews.com]

According to the lawsuit, alleged inappropriate conduct occurred from late December 2025 through March 2026. These allegations include Mayor Her making sexual comments such as referring to herself as a "MILF," sexual innuendos about Chief Henry’s genitalia, and physically placing her hand on his upper thigh without consent during a March 18 budget meeting.[cbsnews.com] Additionally, Mayor Her reportedly displayed doctored photos depicting Chief Henry and other officers as bodybuilders with exaggerated genitalia and simulated orgasmic noises at the police gym.[courthousenews.com]

In response to the allegations, the City’s Human Resources Department conducted an independent investigation and released a report September 18, 2026. The investigation found Mayor Her's behavior "offensive and inappropriate" but did not substantiate sexual harassment or retaliation claims.[mprnews.org] Mayor Her acknowledged fault, stating she "became too informal in my communications and crossed lines" inconsistent with city workplace standards.[mprnews.org]

Chief Henry’s legal counsel has criticized the city’s investigation as a "sanitized, self-serving whitewash" that the public has been prevented from reviewing.[courthousenews.com] Post-complaint, Mayor Her removed the St. Paul Police Department from her security detail, substituting with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.[fox9.com]

Chief Henry remarked: "Sexual harassment is wrong regardless of who commits it; it does not become acceptable because the alleged harasser is a woman, because the target is a man, or because the alleged harasser happens to be the Mayor." Mayor Her has expressed regret for conduct that crossed professional boundaries, but denies the claims of sexual harassment and retaliation.[cbsnews.com]

This case illustrates the legal complexities in handling harassment claims within high-profile public employment. It also highlights concerns about impartiality in internal investigations, accountability of elected officials, and the importance of transparency in public governance.

Yes, but: The city’s independent investigation found offensive behavior but did not substantiate the sexual harassment or retaliation claims raised by Chief Henry, illustrating conflicting views on the facts.