Tragic Shooting Shakes Goult: Bride Killed on Wedding Night

The village of Goult is grappling with the aftermath of a shooting incident that left a bride dead and others injured during a wedding party. Local authorities are investigating possible drug-related motives behind the violence.

In a tragic turn of events, a bride was shot dead on her wedding night in the village of Goult, close to Avignon in southeastern France. The attack occurred early Sunday morning when masked assailants opened fire as the 27-year-old bride and her 25-year-old groom were leaving the celebratory party. The gunfire also left the groom and a 13-year-old child with serious wounds, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.

A manhunt is currently underway for the suspects involved in the shooting, with dozens of police officers and a helicopter deployed in the search. Initial reports suggest that one suspect was killed during an exchange of fire; however, the exact circumstances surrounding the exchange are still under investigation. French media sources have speculated that the incident may be linked to drug-related disputes escalating in violence.

Local authorities have launched a murder and attempted murder investigation following the incident. The village mayor, Didier Perello, expressed his deep outrage at the assault, reflecting the fears of the community regarding the potential stigma from such violence in a place where major incidents are a rarity. The wedding hall where the celebration took place had been rented specifically for the occasion by individuals from outside the commune.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that there were 28 attendees at the wedding at the time of the shooting, with one other woman suffering minor injuries. The community, comprising around 1,000 residents, now faces the daunting challenge of healing from this unprecedented tragedy while grappling with its implications for local safety and reputation.