In This Article

  • Overview of the Deadly Shooting Incident
  • Details of the Attack and Victims
  • Investigations and Suspects
  • Response from Local Authorities
  • Impact on the Village of Goult

Key Takeaways

  • A bride was fatally shot on her wedding night in a village close to Avignon, France.
  • The groom, aged 25, and a 13-year-old child sustained serious wounds during the attack.
  • Authorities suspect a link between the violence and drug-related disputes.
  • The tragic incident occurred as the newlyweds were leaving the village hall after their wedding reception.
  • The small village of Goult, with approximately 1,000 residents, was shaken by the rare occurrence of such violence.

In a shocking turn of events, a bride was fatally shot on her wedding night in a village close to the city of Avignon in southeastern France. The incident unfolded when masked gunmen attacked a wedding party, leaving the bride dead and several others injured.

According to local authorities, one of the suspected attackers was also killed during a possible exchange of gunfire. The groom, aged 25, and a 13-year-old child sustained serious wounds during the attack that took place in the village of Goult. A manhunt, involving a large number of police officers and a helicopter, is currently underway to locate the suspects who managed to escape the scene.

Reports from French media suggest a potential link between the violence and drug-related disputes. Investigations have been launched by authorities to probe the murder and attempted murder that took place during the wedding celebration.

The tragic incident occurred around 04:30 local time as the newlyweds were leaving the village hall after their wedding reception. Unidentified assailants, who arrived by car, opened fire on the couple, resulting in the bride's death. It was initially reported that one of the attackers was struck by the couple's vehicle, but the prosecutor later clarified that the suspect was hit during the exchange of gunfire.

Goult Mayor Didier Perello expressed his shock and dismay over the violence that unfolded in the peaceful village. The hall where the wedding took place had been reserved by individuals not residing in the commune. The mayor denounced the attack, stating, "We're close to towns, I won't name them, where unfortunately, we've seen this kind of thing before."

The small village of Goult, with approximately 1,000 residents, was shaken by the rare occurrence of such violence. Guillaume Molinas, a local restaurant owner, expressed concerns that the tragic incident would tarnish the village's reputation, noting that the last major incident in Goult dated back 125 years.