In a stunning indictment of alleged mayoral misconduct, St. Paul, Minnesota, Police Chief Axel Henry has filed a lawsuit against Mayor Kaohly Her, detailing a disturbing pattern of sexual harassment and a subsequent campaign of retaliation. The 73-page complaint paints a picture of a city leader allegedly abusing her power, making explicit comments, and engaging in unwanted physical advances against her own top law enforcement officer.
Chief Henry, who has led the department since 2022, claims Mayor Her made multiple inappropriate comments, including one incident where she referred to herself as a "MILF" and made sexually suggestive remarks about his genitalia, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit further alleges that Her engaged in unwanted physical contact with Henry, including placing her hand on his upper thigh beneath a conference table during a budget meeting. Such alleged behavior from a city's chief executive raises immediate questions about professional conduct and the respect for public servants.
Reports on the suit indicate Mayor Her allegedly confessed her marriage troubles to Chief Henry, insisting they "needed to be friends" or "this was not going to work," pushing for a "close relationship." It's a demand that raises serious questions about professional boundaries and potential abuse of authority within city hall.
Further details outlined in the filing describe Mayor Her frequently appearing at the police department gym when she knew Henry was present, reportedly calling him and other employees "beefy," and even allegedly "simulating an orgasm" while exercising near them. At an awards ceremony, upon seeing Henry's Mobile Field Force ribbon abbreviated "MFF," Her allegedly quipped, "Oh, I thought it said MILF so maybe I could get one." Because, of course, a mayor's focus should be on such matters during a professional event.
The complaint also recounts a tense December meeting with Chief Henry and St. Paul Port Authority President Todd Hurley at a cigar lounge. During discussions about relocating the downtown police station, Mayor Her allegedly resorted to a brazen threat: she would tell people the chief "grabbed her a--" if she didn't get her way. This isn't governance; this is alleged intimidation from the highest office in the city.
Even Henry's personal time wasn't immune, according to the lawsuit. After the Chief and a colleague took personal vacation time to visit a golf simulator in Woodbury, Minnesota, Mayor Her allegedly showed up unexpectedly, proclaiming she "had to come like this because you guys wouldn't invite me," staying for a curious 20 minutes.
After Chief Henry finally filed an internal complaint about this alleged behavior, the lawsuit claims Mayor Her and her administration "embarked on a campaign to retaliate against and discredit Chief Henry." He alleges he was excluded from key decisions, denied requested records, and that the city released a "sanitized" two-page summary of an independent investigation to downplay her conduct. An "independent" investigation that found no wrongdoing? And somehow, they still expect Americans not to notice the pattern of government unaccountability.
Mayor Her's office, as reported by Fox Minneapolis, maintains that "An independent investigation did not substantiate claims of sexual harassment or retaliation against any city employee." They added that "The mayor will continue to lead Saint Paul and follow the recommendations of the report. Beyond that, the City of Saint Paul doesn’t comment on active litigation." This dismissal rings hollow against the detailed allegations of a veteran police chief.
In a move that speaks volumes, Mayor Her recently transferred her personal security detail and driver services from the St. Paul Police Department to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. This escalating conflict not only undermines trust in city leadership but also highlights a concerning pattern of alleged abuse of power and accountability avoidance by those entrusted with public office. American communities deserve leaders who uphold the highest standards of conduct, especially when it comes to their interactions with dedicated law enforcement officials.
