St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her has been sued by her police chief over allegations that she created sexually charged images of city law enforcement officials and engaged in inappropriate conduct. The lawsuit, filed in Ramsey County District Court, details multiple incidents involving the mayor’s actions during her term.
According to court documents, Her sent a meme referencing “good weinering”—an internet slang term for sexual intercourse—which the complaint describes as creating a hostile environment for police staff. The suit also alleges that Her made unwanted physical contact with Police Chief Axel Henry during budget meetings by placing her hand on his upper thigh twice.
Further claims include that Her asked Deputy Chief Tim Flynn why he was “bigger” in a manner conveying sexual innuendos about the size of Henry’s penis, as documented in the complaint. When questioned, Her allegedly pointed to the ribbon bar on Henry’s uniform. Additionally, court filings state that Her made loud grunting and moaning noises while exercising at the police department gym, which were described as intentionally exaggerated to appear sexual. She also allegedly referred to officers as “beefy” during workouts.
The lawsuit asserts that Her photoshopped faces of police leaders onto bodies including boy band members, UFC fighters, and bodybuilders with prominent bulges in their compression shorts. These images were displayed throughout the police department in gold frames, accessible to both sworn officers and civilians. The complaint notes that at least five officers witnessed these actions and reported that the imagery would offend their spouses.
An independent investigation conducted by the city found Her engaged in offensive behavior but did not substantiate claims of sexual harassment or retaliation against any employee. However, the lawsuit alleges that Her’s administration retaliated against Chief Henry after he filed a human resources complaint, including excluding him from personnel decisions and granting raises to other command staff without him.
Her office has not responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. The case was filed shortly after an independent investigation concluded less than a week prior, with the city stating it did not find evidence of sexual harassment or retaliation.
Additionally, Her previously admitted that she and her parents are illegal in the United States, declaring on the state House floor in June 2025: “I am illegal in this country. My parents are illegal here.”
