In a shocking turn of events, a wedding party in the small village of Goult, near Avignon, France, turned into a scene of tragedy when gunmen opened fire, resulting in the death of a 27-year-old bride. The attack occurred around 4:30 AM local time, as the couple was leaving their wedding celebration at a village hall filled with approximately 28 guests.
Local authorities have reported that one suspected attacker was also killed during an exchange of gunfire, while the groom, aged 25, and a 13-year-old child suffered serious injuries. A manhunt involving dozens of police officers and a helicopter is currently underway to apprehend the unidentified assailants who fled the scene.
French prosecutor Florence Galtier indicated that the violence might be linked to drug-related feuds, highlighting a concerning trend in the region. Goult’s mayor, Didier Perello, expressed outrage over the incident, noting that the bride and groom were from outside the community and took the venue for their celebration back in March.
Residents of Goult, a village with a population of approximately 1,000, voiced their fears that this brutal attack could tarnish the village's reputation. Local business owner Guillaume Molinas remarked on the rarity of such violence, stating that the last significant incident in Goult occurred 125 years ago.
The authorities have initiated investigations into charges of murder and attempted murder, prompting calls for increased security within the community. The tragic event has unveiled an unsettling reality of violence that threatens the peace and safety of this picturesque village.