St. Paul’s independent probe said Mayor Kaohly Her’s conduct was “offensive and inappropriate,” even as a lawsuit by her police chief alleges explicit sexualized behavior and retaliation.
Story Snapshot
- An outside investigation found policy violations and an uncomfortable work environment, not legal harassment.
- Police Chief Axel Henry’s lawsuit details explicit comments and unwanted touching by the mayor.
- Investigators interviewed 11 people and reviewed about 55,000 texts from city and personal phones.
- Mayor Her denies harassment, admits becoming “too informal,” and plans to stay in office.
What the Investigation Confirmed and What It Did Not
The city released a full investigative report that found Mayor Kaohly Her engaged in “offensive and inappropriate behavior” and created an “uncomfortable work environment,” but did not substantiate sexual harassment or retaliation under city policy. The findings mirror an earlier summary. That split result matters. It confirms workplace lapses by a sitting mayor, while also saying the conduct did not meet the legal bar for harassment. Many readers will see discipline-worthy behavior but no settled legal violation.
Investigators reviewed about 55,000 text messages from Her’s city and personal phones and interviewed Her, Police Chief Axel Henry, and nine others, suggesting a broad fact-gathering effort. Her’s office has said she became “too informal” and “crossed lines,” and she apologized for any discomfort caused. At the same time, she denies sexually harassing anyone and points to the report’s bottom line on the legal claims. The city cites active litigation in limiting further comment.
What Henry Alleges in Court
Henry’s lawsuit paints a more severe picture. It alleges explicit sexual comments, including a self-description by the mayor as a “MILF,” remarks about his genitals, and two instances of thigh touching under a conference table, as well as sexual noises at a police gym. The suit also claims retaliation after he complained. These details, if proven, would convert “inappropriate” into a pattern of sexualized conduct that altered working conditions. For now, they remain allegations set for court testing.
Coverage notes a factual conflict on key moments. Her has said texts were attempts at humor and has denied sexual intent. She said she may have touched Henry’s leg, but not in a sexual way. The independent review did not substantiate sexual harassment, which weakens the legal core of Henry’s claim in the public record. Yet the same review found policy violations and an uncomfortable workplace, which supports parts of his broader professionalism concerns. The case will likely turn on credibility, timelines, and documents.
Why This Matters Beyond One City Hall
Public workplaces often face a gap between legal standards and public expectations. Reports can find “offensive” behavior without meeting the legal definition of harassment, which requires specific elements under employment law. That gap can frustrate people across the spectrum who expect accountability when leaders cross lines. It can also fuel the view that insiders protect their own, especially when only summaries emerge early and full files roll out slowly during litigation.
Trust in institutions suffers when leaders appear to play by softer rules than everyone else. Police–mayor friction adds to that strain, because safety and budgets are at stake. This dispute overlapped with budget tension and leadership style complaints, making it easier for partisans to pick sides. A clean fix starts with sunlight: full document releases where legally possible, a clear record of any post-complaint actions, and sworn testimony that tests the most serious claims in detail.
What to Watch Next
Court discovery could resolve key questions. Depositions of people present at the alleged under-table touching could confirm or rebut that claim. Message exports with metadata from the 55,000 texts could show tone, timing, and patterns around the complaint period. Human resources records could clarify if any adverse employment actions followed protected complaints. Each item moves the story from clashing narratives to testable facts that a jury, judge, and public can weigh.
A police chief is suing his own mayor, alleging sexual harassment, unwanted touching and retaliation after he complained.
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry claims Mayor Kaohly Her called herself a "MILF," made sexually suggestive remarks about his body and placed her hand on his… pic.twitter.com/wIJvN5jJbf
— Mike Netter (@nettermike) September 27, 2026
For now, two facts stand: the mayor remains in office, and an independent probe found policy violations but not legal harassment. That does not settle the lawsuit, and it does not fix trust. The standard for public service is higher than “not illegal.” Citizens expect leaders to guard the line, not just avoid crossing the statute. If the record stays messy, pressure for clearer accountability—inside City Hall or at the ballot box—will only grow.
Sources:
twincities.com, foxnews.com, startribune.com, sahanjournal.com, axios.com
