Tragic Wedding Night Shooting Claims Bride's Life in French Village

In a shocking incident in Goult, near Avignon, a bride was shot dead on her wedding night as masked gunmen opened fire at the celebration. The attack, which left the groom and a 13-year-old child seriously wounded, has sparked a manhunt for the assailants who fled the scene. Local authorities suspect the violence may be tied to drug-related conflicts. The incident has caused outrage among villagers and raised concerns about safety in this small community.

Early on Sunday morning, around 04:30 local time, the bride, aged 27, and the groom, 25, were exiting the wedding venue when unidentified shooters opened fire, according to reports from AFP. There are conflicting accounts regarding the fate of one of the shooters; while some say he was struck by the couple's vehicle, Avignon prosecutor Florence Galtier confirmed he was shot during the exchange. After the attack, the remaining assailants, who had arrived in a car, fled the scene on foot.

The venue was hosting 28 attendees when the shooting occurred, and one woman sustained minor injuries. Goult's Mayor Didier Perello expressed his shock and anger over the incident, remarking on the rarity of such violence in their village of merely 1,000 residents. Residents fear the attack might tarnish Goult's reputation, as one local restaurant owner noted the last significant incident occurred 125 years ago. Authorities have opened an investigation into the double murder and attempted murder, and a police effort involving numerous officers and a helicopter is underway to capture the fugitives.