St. Paul police chief on Charlie Kirk shooting, gun reform, city budget

St. Paul police chief on Charlie Kirk death, gun control and city budget

FOX 9's Amy Hockert spoke with St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry about the recent fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, the ongoing gun control debate and the city's budget policies following the ransomware attack.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - The chief of the St. Paul Police Department responded to a variety of public safety topics during a live interview, including the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.

The full interview can be watched above. 

FOX 9's Amy Hockert had a similar interview with the police chief back in April.

St. Paul police chief on Charlie Kirk killing, Annunciation mass shooting

St. Paul police chief discusses Charlie Kirk shooting

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry spoke on All Day about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk and the ongoing gun control debate happening in Minnesota and on the national stage.

Big picture view:

The chief spoke about the footage that captured the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at a university in Utah.

Chief Henry said, "I wish I could unsee it," adding that "It’s so sad that we've gotten to this point where that type of thing in some ways, isn't a surprise."

The chief also addressed the law enforcement decision to not say the name of the Annunciation mass shooting suspect in order to prevent others from idolizing them. 

"One of the things that contributes to that is the notoriety that comes with someone who's clearly grappling with issues, whether it's mental health or something else, that they're gonna become famous," the chief said. "And I don't wanna help with that."

St. Paul police chief on gun reform

What they're saying:

The chief also spoke to both sides of the political spectrum when addressing the gun reform debate.

"Let's all come together, let's try to pull our emotions back and let's all honor each other by saying that's a valid position to have," Chief Henry said. "Let's sit down, let's try to pull the emotions back, let's put the solution hats on, and let's figure out how we can take pieces from each side of this argument and make a solution that makes the problem better."

St. Paul police recruitment, budget challenges 

Police mental health: St. Paul chief on finding a balance

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry spoke on the strides made within law enforcement culture over the years, as mental health resources have become more available for first responders.

Local perspective:

When asked about the St. Paul police budget, the chief pointed out that roughly 94% of it goes toward salaries, and the department is still short-staffed.

"There are just not enough people trying to go into law enforcement," the chief said, comparing the large number of applicants seen decades ago to the fraction of applicants seen in recent years. 

READ MORE: St. Paul Police Chief on crime, current police staffing 

Who is Axel Henry?

St. Paul Police chief: Axel Henry is mayor's pick to lead department

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter revealed Commander Axel Henry is his choice to lead the St. Paul Police Department as the next chief. Henry, who is part of the narcotics, financial intelligence, and human trafficking division, started with the St. Paul Police Department in 1998.

Dig deeper:

A longtime Minnesota police officer prior to being appointed by St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Henry was appointed to a six-year term in November 2022.

According to his bio, Henry became a uniformed officer for the Roseville Police Department in 1995 and joined the SPPD in 1998. He currently serves as commander for the Narcotics, Financial Intelligence, and Human Trafficking Division. Henry received his bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting, and master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of St. Thomas.

At the time of his appointment, Henry said an immediate goal for the department would be to engage the entire community in solving crime through increased partnerships.

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