St. Paul Police Chief Sues Mayor Her Over Alleged Harassment and Retaliation

Key points

• Chief Axel Henry filed a 73-page lawsuit in Ramsey County District Court on September 23, 2026, naming Mayor Kaohly Her and the city of St. Paul as defendants.
• The lawsuit alleges Her sexually harassed Henry by touching his thigh twice during a budget meeting, describing herself as a 'MILF,' and making sexual innuendos regarding his anatomy.
• Henry claims Her retaliated by hiring a PR firm to discredit him and violating the Minnesota Whistleblower Act after he filed a formal complaint in March 2026.
• A city HR investigation released in September found Her engaged in 'offensive and inappropriate behavior' but did not substantiate claims of sexual harassment or retaliation.
• Her’s office denied the lawsuit’s claims, stating an independent investigation did not substantiate harassment, while Henry’s attorney argued the city’s summary report was a 'sanitized' version of the findings.
• The lawsuit demands the release of the full investigative report, which the city has not yet made public, and seeks damages for emotional distress and reputational harm.

Background

Mayor Kaohly Her, St. Paul’s first female mayor, took office in January 2026. In July 2026, The Minnesota Star-Tribune reported that Police Chief Axel Henry had submitted a sexual harassment complaint against her. Following this, an independent investigation was conducted, concluding in September 2026 that while Her’s conduct was inappropriate, it did not meet the threshold for sexual harassment. Her issued apologies and agreed to HR recommendations, including hiring an executive coach, but the full investigative report remained withheld, prompting Henry’s legal action.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS detailed specific allegations in the lawsuit, including physical touching, sexual innuendos, and doctored photographs, emphasizing Henry’s claim of retaliation. MPR News highlighted a legal expert’s view that only voters can discipline the mayor, noting that while HR made recommendations, there was no mechanism for formal discipline. FOX 9 focused on the security detail change, noting Her switched from St. Paul police to Ramsey County deputies shortly after the harassment complaint, a move Her’s office attributed to workload and political violence threats rather than the dispute. All outlets reported Her’s denial of the allegations, citing the city’s investigation findings.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights tensions between city leadership and law enforcement, raising questions about accountability and transparency in municipal investigations. It also underscores the legal and political challenges faced by public officials accused of misconduct, particularly when internal investigations do not result in formal discipline. The case may set precedents for how cities handle harassment complaints and the release of investigative reports.

What to watch

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial to determine damages. The city has not released the full investigative report, which Henry’s attorney claims is necessary to prove the allegations. Her’s office has stated she will continue to lead the city and follow HR recommendations. The outcome of the lawsuit could influence future handling of similar complaints in municipal governments.