St. Paul Police Chief Sues Mayor Her, Citing Harassment and Retaliation After City Investigation

Key points

• Police Chief Axel Henry filed a 73-page civil lawsuit against Mayor Kaohly Her and the City of St. Paul on Wednesday, alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and violations of the Minnesota Whistleblower Act and Human Rights Act.
• The lawsuit details specific incidents, including Her allegedly placing her hand on Henry’s upper thigh during a budget meeting, making sexual innuendos about his penis size, and describing herself as a 'MILF' to him.
• Henry alleges Her photoshopped his and other officers’ faces onto bodybuilders and boy bands, displaying the images in his office and police headquarters hallways.
• The suit claims Her retaliated against Henry after he filed a formal complaint in April 2026, including excluding him from personnel decisions and withholding the full investigative report.
• A city investigation released last week found Her engaged in 'offensive and inappropriate behavior' but did not substantiate claims of sexual harassment or retaliation.
• Ramsey County deputies replaced St. Paul police as Her security detail in September, citing increased political violence and efficiency, though officials did not link the change to the investigation.

Background

This lawsuit follows a city investigation into Mayor Her’s conduct, which concluded she engaged in offensive behavior but did not substantiate harassment claims. Her previously apologized for crossing workplace conduct lines and agreed to recommendations including executive coaching. The security detail change to Ramsey County deputies occurred in September, with officials citing political violence and efficiency rather than the investigation.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post and FOX 9 emphasize the specific allegations in Henry’s 73-page lawsuit, including sexual comments, unwanted touching, and altered photos, framing the case as a clear instance of harassment and retaliation. MPR News provides a more neutral overview, noting the lawsuit adds details to Henry’s prior complaint and highlighting the city’s refusal to release the full investigative report. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS focuses on the security detail change, noting that while the investigation found offensive behavior, no official linked the security shift to the probe. All sources agree the city investigation did not substantiate harassment claims, but Henry’s attorney argues the city withheld the full report to minimize his complaints.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights tensions between local government leadership and law enforcement, raising questions about workplace conduct, retaliation, and transparency in municipal investigations. It also underscores broader concerns about political violence and security for elected officials in Minnesota.

What to watch

Henry’s lawsuit seeks a jury trial to determine damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and reputational harm, and demands the city release the full investigative report. The case will proceed through Ramsey County District Court, with potential implications for Her’s leadership and the city’s handling of workplace complaints.