In a devastating turn of events, a wedding celebration in the village of Goult near Avignon, France, ended in tragedy when masked gunmen opened fire, resulting in the death of a 27-year-old bride and serious injuries to her 25-year-old groom and a 13-year-old child. The chaos unfolded at approximately 4:30 AM local time as the couple exited the village hall following their wedding festivities.
Witnesses reported an exchange of gunfire that led to the death of one suspected attacker; however, the remaining assailants managed to escape, prompting a coordinated manhunt involving multiple police officers and helicopter surveillance. Local news outlets suggest that the violence may be related to ongoing drug disputes in the region, a worrying trend that has surfaced in nearby towns.
Goult Mayor Didier Perello expressed deep outrage, emphasizing the shocking nature of the crime in such a peaceful community of roughly 1,000 residents. “This kind of thing has never happened here; it’s a stain on our village’s reputation,” commented local restaurant owner Guillaume Molinas, reflecting the community's concern over safety in light of such violent incidents.
Authorities have since launched a murder investigation as they piece together details of the attack amidst community fear and apprehension. One additional woman sustained minor injuries during the fray, but the focus remains on tracking down the escaping suspects, as the village mourns a joyful occasion marred by tragedy.
