Power struggles at City Hall rarely get this messy. St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry just took legal action against Mayor Kaohly Her and the city in Ramsey County District Court, leveling heavy accusations of sexual harassment, battery, and whistleblower retaliation.
If you have been following local Minnesota politics, you know this friction did not happen overnight. The 73-page civil complaint outlines months of escalating tension, strange office interactions, and a fierce battle over an independent investigation report that leaves more questions than answers.
What the Lawsuit Claims
Chief Henry's filing alleges a pattern of inappropriate behavior that began shortly after Mayor Her took office. According to the court documents, the allegations go far beyond standard bureaucratic friction.
- Unwanted Physical Contact: The complaint claims Mayor Her twice placed her hand on Henry's upper thigh beneath a conference table during a March budget meeting, an act witnessed by Assistant Chief Paul Ford.
- Altered Photographs: Henry alleges the mayor entered his office and swapped personal photos with altered versions depicting him and other officers as bodybuilders with prominent bulges or as boy band members.
- Unusual Encounters: The lawsuit details instances where the mayor showed up unannounced at a Woodbury golf simulator where Henry was off-duty, and made suggestive noises while working out in the police department gym.
These details paint a vivid picture of a workplace dynamic completely off the rails. Henry formally reported the behavior in March, knowing full well the professional fallout he might face.
The Investigation and Backlash
The lawsuit drops less than a week after St. Paul officials released a brief two-page summary of an outside investigation into the claims. That report concluded the allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation were "unsubstantiated," though it acknowledged that Mayor Her engaged in "offensive and inappropriate behavior" and crossed professional lines.
Mayor Her's office has stood by those findings. A spokesperson stated that the mayor will continue to lead Saint Paul and follow the recommendations outlined in the report.
However, Henry and his attorney, Chris Madel, argue the city is withholding the full picture. They claim the administration selectively leaked details favorable to the mayor while hiding the rest. The lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks damages across six distinct counts, including violations of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Data Practices Act.
What Happens Next for St Paul
The fallout is already altering daily operations. In the wake of the lawsuit, the mayor's office announced that St. Paul police officers would no longer handle her security detail, shifting those duties to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.
When top law enforcement and municipal leadership end up in a courtroom, the public loses trust. City governance requires a basic level of professionalism that clearly fractured here. As the litigation moves forward, expect every piece of evidence—from the disputed investigation report to the text messages and photos mentioned in the complaint—to face intense public scrutiny.
You need accountability, not sanitized summaries. Keep an eye on how the court handles requests to release the full investigative findings, because that document holds the key to untangling this entire municipal crisis.
Saint Paul Police Chief Sues Mayor For Sexual Harassment
This short video clip provides a quick visual overview of the breaking news regarding St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry filing a lawsuit against Mayor Kaohly Her.
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