St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her drops St. Paul PD from her security detail
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is no longer using St. Paul police for her security detail following a sexual harassment complaint brought by the department's chief against the mayor.
Mayor drops police detail
What we know:
In statements to FOX 9, both a mayor's spokesperson and a police spokesperson confirm that the mayor is now using Ramsey County deputies for her security detail.
Mayor Her spokesperson Matt Wagenius says the switch was made as the city continues to find ways to improve its practices. He says the switch was made in part to lessen the load on the police department and given "ongoing threat and increased incidents of political violence."
His statement reads in part: "Since the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office has jurisdiction throughout our city and is responsible for security at the courthouse, they are well-positioned to provide security for the mayor, in and outside the office. We are grateful for our strong partnership with the County and want to thank the Sheriff’s Office for their willingness to support this critical function."
What they're saying:
St. Paul police confirmed the department is no longer providing a driver for the mayor as of Sept. 8.
The police department said in part: "The mayor’s safety is our priority. We have offered to drive whenever the mayor might need a driver. We will also continue monitoring for any threats and will advise both the mayor’s office and RCSO if we find any credible threats.
Change came after sexual harassment complaint
Big picture view:
The change came ten days before Mayor Her released HR investigative findings that found sexual harassment and retaliation claims brought against her were unsubstantiated. The report did deem some of Mayor Her's conduct as "offensive and inappropriate" however.
The claims were brought by St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry, who accused the mayor of making inappropriate sexual comments to him and other city employees. The complaint included a screenshot of a text message he says Her sent to a city employee reportedly containing sexual innuendo.
The investigation into the complaint was completed on Sept. 14. City officials did not indicate that the investigation played a role in the security change.
Local perspective:
Mayor Her is slated to make her first public appearance on Wednesday since the findings were released. She is expected to attend a groundbreaking at McMurray Athletic Fields.
While she is not expected to discuss the harassment case during her appearance, FOX 9 will stream the event when it begins at 11 a.m.
You can watch that live in the player above.
The Source: This story uses information from the St. Paul Mayor's Office, St. Paul police, and past FOX 9 reporting.