A 27-year-old bride was killed and several others, including a child, were injured when gunmen opened fire on a wedding celebration in the quiet village of Goult in southeastern France early Sunday morning. The violent assault, which may be tied to drug-related score-settling, has shocked the rural community and prompted a major police operation.
The attack occurred around 4:30 a.m. local time, just as the newlyweds were leaving the reception at the village hall. According to Avignon prosecutor Florence Galtier, masked assailants armed with multiple weapons ambushed the couple, resulting in a chaotic and deadly confrontation.
The bride died at the scene, while one of the attackers was also killed — reportedly struck “in return”, with earlier reports suggesting he may have been run over by the couple’s vehicle during the confusion.
Three others were injured in the gunfire, including the 25-year-old groom and a 13-year-old child who were inside the couple’s car. Both sustained serious injuries, while a third injured individual has not been identified.
Authorities confirmed that the attackers arrived by car and fled the scene on foot. At least 28 guests were present in the hall during the attack. A formal investigation into murder and attempted murder by an organised gang is now underway.
Dozens of officers, including a helicopter surveillance unit, have been deployed to track down the remaining suspects. Several police vehicles were seen blocking access to the village on Sunday morning.
Goult’s mayor, Didier Perello, expressed his outrage and sorrow over the incident.
“I’m angry. I’m outraged,” Perello told reporters. “I’m ruling nothing out. Absolutely nothing.”
He confirmed the village hall was rented in March by the couple, who were not local residents. Goult, known for its scenic charm and tranquility, had not seen a violent crime in over a century.
“The last major incident in the village was 125 years ago,” said local restaurant owner Guillaume Molinas, lamenting the stain the tragedy might leave on the village’s peaceful reputation.
The French government, already grappling with rising concerns over drug-related violence, has recently pledged to intensify its national crackdown on narcotics and gang activity. Sunday’s attack may now serve as another grim indicator of how organised crime is infiltrating even the country’s most serene corners.