St. Paul police chief sues Mayor Kaohly Her, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation in a high-stakes civil complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court. Police Chief Axel Henry initiated the legal action against both the mayor and the city administration, claiming he endured months of unwanted physical contact, inappropriate remarks, and targeted professional retaliation after reporting the conduct internally. The legal filing introduces severe claims regarding workplace harassment, data practices violations, and breaches of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle within local government leadership.
According to the comprehensive 73-page lawsuit, the friction escalated over several months following initial internal complaints that prompted an independent review of the mayor’s professional conduct. Chief Henry alleges that the mayor subjected him to nonconsensual physical contact, inappropriate personal inquiries, and altered photographs, creating an untenable professional environment. Furthermore, the complaint outlines allegations that city officials and administrative representatives engaged in a systemic retaliation campaign following his formal human resources report, which included excluding him from key personnel decisions and withholding requested public records.
The civil action arrives on the heels of a recently released public summary from an independent human resources investigation. That outside inquiry concluded that Mayor Kaohly Her engaged in offensive and inappropriate workplace behavior, though it stopped short of formally substantiating claims of sexual harassment or retaliation. Representatives for the mayor have maintained that the independent findings did not substantiate allegations against city employees, emphasizing that the administration intends to focus on municipal leadership while following the recommendations outlined in the review. Meanwhile, legal counsel for the police chief argues that the public summary selectively minimized documented misconduct and failed to provide full transparency.
As the case moves through Minnesota’s judicial system, city officials and legal representatives face intense scrutiny regarding municipal governance and workplace safety standards. The unfolding legal proceedings underscore broader questions concerning accountability, transparency, and whistleblower protections within public institutions. Both sides are expected to address the mounting allegations as local leaders navigate the complex institutional fallout from the high-profile dispute.
