St. Paul Probes Harassment Claims Against Kaohly Her

The city of St. Paul has launched an independent investigation into sexual harassment allegations involving Mayor Melvin Carter’s Chief of Staff, Kaohly Her, and Police Chief Axel Henry alongside other department officers. As Twin Cities residents demand transparency, this high-profile probe threatens to disrupt the working relationship between City Hall and local law enforcement. Here is what we know so far about the allegations, the key figures involved, and what this means for our community.

Understanding the Allegations and Context

The city of St. Paul recently confirmed that it has retained an outside law firm to conduct an independent investigation. The probe centers on allegations of sexual harassment involving Kaohly Her, who serves dual high-profile roles as Chief of Staff to Mayor Melvin Carter and as a Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) State Representative representing District 64A. The complaints also involve St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry and other unidentified members of the police department. Because the allegations touch the highest levels of both the executive administration and the police force, city officials opted for an external investigator to ensure neutrality and avoid conflicts of interest.

This independent inquiry was triggered by formal complaints that reached the city’s human resources department, prompting immediate concern due to the high profile of the individuals named. While the specific, granular details of the behavior in question have not been fully disclosed to the public, the scope of the investigation is broad. Investigators are tasked with reviewing interactions, communications, and administrative responses within and between the mayor’s office and the police department. This development has sent shockwaves through Saint Paul City Hall and the broader Twin Cities political landscape, where both Her and Henry are well-known public figures with extensive track records of civic service.

Key Figures Involved in the St. Paul Investigation

To understand the gravity of the situation, it is helpful to look at the primary officials involved and their roles within the city’s governance structure. The intersection of administrative power and law enforcement leadership makes this case particularly complex.

The Dual Roles of Kaohly Her

Kaohly Her holds significant influence in Minnesota politics. In addition to managing daily operations at City Hall as Mayor Carter’s top aide, she has served in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2019. Her position at the intersection of local municipal administration and state-level policymaking means that any findings from this investigation could have legislative and electoral repercussions beyond the borders of St. Paul, impacting the state-level DFL caucuses and local committees.

Chief Axel Henry’s Leadership of SPPD

Chief Axel Henry was appointed to lead the St. Paul Police Department in late 2022, promising a focus on community trust, officer wellness, and violent crime reduction. The inclusion of his name, along with other officers, in this investigation complicates his efforts to reform department culture and maintain strong community relations. It raises critical questions for rank-and-file officers about leadership accountability and the internal handling of misconduct complaints within the department.

Implications for Twin Cities Governance and Trust

For residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul, this investigation is more than just a political scandal; it directly impacts civic trust and the stewardship of public resources. When top officials are embroiled in misconduct allegations, it can paralyze city departments and delay vital public services. Additionally, the use of external legal counsel to conduct these investigations is funded by taxpayers, meaning local residents bear the financial burden of resolving internal administrative disputes.

For many Saint Paul residents, the integrity of the police department is already a sensitive topic. A scandal involving the chief of police can erode the hard-won trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve, particularly in historically marginalized neighborhoods. Furthermore, this situation tests the strength of the city’s internal reporting structures and whether they can hold powerful figures accountable without bias. Carter, who has championed progressive governance and police reform, must navigate this crisis without appearing to shield his closest advisors or undermine the police department.

What to Watch Next in the Investigation

As the external law firm conducts its interviews and reviews digital correspondence, several key milestones will dictate the direction of this story. First, observers are waiting to see if any involved parties will be placed on administrative leave as the probe progresses. Second, the timeline for the final report remains uncertain, though pressure is mounting for a swift resolution. Finally, the St. Paul City Council may seek to exert its oversight authority, potentially holding public hearings or demanding regular updates on the investigation’s budget and progress.

• Who is conducting the investigation into the allegations?
  The city of St. Paul has hired an independent, external law firm to conduct the probe to ensure impartiality, given that the allegations involve top-tier city leaders.
• How does this affect Kaohly Her’s role as a State Representative?
  While the investigation is being handled by the city of St. Paul, state legislative leaders are likely monitoring the situation; any potential impact on her legislative role will depend on the investigation’s final findings.
• Has anyone been suspended or placed on leave?
  As of the latest reports, no formal changes in employment status or administrative leaves have been announced for the key figures involved.
• Will the final investigation report be made public?
  Under Minnesota public records laws, certain details of completed investigations involving public officials may become public, though personnel privacy laws will dictate how much information is ultimately released.

To stay informed and hold local leaders accountable, Twin Cities residents should monitor upcoming St. Paul City Council meetings and official administrative updates as this independent investigation unfolds.

St Paul Probes Harassment Claims Against Kaohly Her