Vance Boelter to be sentenced in shootings of Minnesota lawmakers. Officials developing plans to reopen parts of the BWCA

A federal judge in Minneapolis will hand down the sentence for Vance Boelter, the man who pleaded guilty last month to fatally shooting former House speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and injuring Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.

In court filings, prosecutors asked the judge to impose two life sentences, plus 40 years. They said Boelter caused, “astonishing damage to his victims and the state of Minnesota,” and said he should spend the rest of his life in prison. Boelter’s attorney agreed to that sentencing recommendation and said Boelter wants to take responsibility for his actions. He is asking to serve his time in a Florida prison.

Boundary Waters permit cancellations will remain in effect through Friday, but federal and state officials say they are developing a plan that could reopen some areas of the wilderness to visitors.

In a briefing Wednesday, Tom Hall, agency administrator for the U.S. Forest Service, said the ability to conduct search and rescue operations is a key consideration as they look at corridors of the BWCA to open up.

A memorial has been set up outside the St. Paul apartment leasing office where three people were killed there Monday. Apartment resident Tsegaab Binessu is charged with shooting that killed the three employees after a parking contract dispute.

Vance Boelter to be sentenced for Minnesota lawmaker shootings

BWCA permit cancellations remain through Friday, officials consider partial reopening

Man charged in St. Paul leasing office triple killing makes first court appearance