St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her Faces Sexual Harassment Complaint Over Text Messages

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her Under Investigation for Sexual Harassment Complaint

Allegations Include Inappropriate Text Messages and Redacted Images

The complaint includes what appears to be a screenshot of a text message from Her to a city employee: Happy Weiner Wednesday! Wish I was having a (hotdog emoji) with you all on 6 today! A redacted image is also referenced, depicting a photo of an officer, who sometimes works on Her’s security detail, photoshopped onto a swaddled baby. The message accompanying the image reads, When she wraps you up in her blanket after you gave her a good weinering, with laughing emojis. The document claims these incidents go beyond isolated incidents and involve other city employees and police officers.

Mayor’s Office and Police Federation Respond

A spokesperson for the mayor’s office declined to comment on the active investigation, stating, To protect confidentiality and the integrity of the process, the City will not comment on an active investigation. The mayor has deep respect for city employees and regrets any unintended impact her actions may have had.

Mark Ross, president of the St. Paul Police Federation, emphasized the department’s focus on public safety, saying, Our obligation is to our membership and the focus of the Federation will remain on supporting the rank-and-file members who are out in the community risking their lives everyday.

Madel, representing Henry, called for a full filesystem extraction of Her’s phones to preserve potential evidence, including potentially deleted information within apps. He noted that Henry has no comment on this and is focused on his duties, including keeping citizens safe.

Context: Mayor’s Historic Role and Budget Challenges

Her made history as the first woman and first Hmong American to serve as St. Paul mayor, taking office less than seven months ago. She has since been in the spotlight for addressing the city’s budget problems and plans to clear homeless encampments, including one at Pig’s Eye Park.

Her’s tenure has also involved navigating tensions over immigration enforcement. Earlier this year, she criticized federal agents for targeting individuals based on the way that you look and the way that you sound, following a controversial arrest of a Hmong immigrant.

Investigation Progress and Ongoing Developments

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reported that it has reached out to all St. Paul City Council members for comment but has not received responses. The city attorney, Irene Kao, is reportedly involved in the process, though no further details were provided. Meanwhile, the mayor’s office continues to emphasize its commitment to protecting confidentiality and the integrity of the process.