A 27-year-old bride was killed when gunmen stormed a wedding celebration in the quiet village of Goult, South-Eastern France, in the early hours of Sunday. One of the attackers also died during the assault.
The incident, which has shocked the small rural community, left three others injured, including the groom and a 13-year-old child, both of whom are in serious condition.
According to investigators, the attack happened around 4:30 am as the bride and groom were leaving their wedding party. Masked gunmen confronted them and opened fire. The attackers arrived in a car and were armed with multiple weapons. They fled on foot after the shooting.
French authorities have launched a murder and attempted murder investigation, with possible links to drug-related violence being explored. A source close to the case said the incident may be related to score-settling between criminal groups.
The Avignon prosecutor, Florence Galtier, confirmed that the bride and one of the assailants were killed. Reports suggest the attacker may have been run over by the couple’s car during the chaos.
The village mayor, Didier Perello, expressed anger and sorrow over the tragic event, stating: “I’m outraged. I’m ruling nothing out.” He noted that the couple who rented the village hall for the wedding did not live in the community.
The Goult community, known for its peaceful charm, is now under tight security as dozens of police officers and a helicopter continue to search for the remaining suspects.
The incident has sparked renewed attention on France’s growing drug-related violence, with the government recently pledging to intensify its fight against narcotics and organised crime.
