A wedding celebration in southern France ended in tragedy when masked attackers opened fire, killing the bride and injuring several others. The violent shooting happened early Sunday in the quiet village of Goult, near Avignon.
The bride, 27, died at the scene. Her husband, 25, was seriously injured. A 13-year-old child was also badly hurt. A woman at the party was lightly wounded. One of the suspected attackers was killed in what police say was an exchange of gunfire.
The French wedding shooting took place just after 4:30 a.m. local time. The couple had just left the village hall, where the party was held, when gunmen began shooting. The attackers arrived in a car and fired without warning.
Police said 28 people were inside the hall when the attack began. Some guests ran for cover while others tried to help the victims. The attackers quickly fled the scene on foot.
A major manhunt is now underway. Dozens of officers and a helicopter have been deployed to track down the fleeing suspects. Officials say the number of gunmen is still unknown.
The motive for the attack is not confirmed. However, French media report that it may be linked to drug-related violence. Prosecutors have launched a formal investigation for murder and attempted murder.
Prosecutor Florence Galtier confirmed that the groom’s car may have hit one of the attackers. But she added that the suspect died in a shootout, not from being run over.
The attackers escaped in the confusion that followed. Police have not released any descriptions of the suspects. They are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking with witnesses.
Mayor Didier Perello said the wedding party had booked the hall in March. He noted that the couple did not live in the village. “I’m outraged,” he said. “We’re close to some towns where this kind of thing has happened before.”
The mayor did not name the nearby towns, but the region has seen an increase in gang-related violence in recent years.
Local residents were shocked by the event. Goult is a peaceful village of about 1,000 people. The last major violent incident in the village happened more than a century ago, according to locals.
Guillaume Molinas, a 50-year-old restaurant owner, said the shooting could hurt the village’s peaceful image. “The last major incident in the village was 125 years ago,” he told reporters. He did not give details but said locals were in disbelief.
The injured victims are being treated at a hospital in Avignon. Police have increased patrols in the area. Forensic teams have sealed off the village hall and surrounding roads as they collect evidence.
Officials have urged anyone with information about the French wedding shooting to contact the police. They believe that some of the suspects may still be in the region.
The tragedy has raised concerns about public safety at private events. Though the motive is unclear, the level of violence has alarmed both residents and officials.
Police are continuing their search with support from regional law enforcement teams. The identity of the dead suspect has not been released. The names of the bride and groom have also not been made public.
Authorities have promised to bring the attackers to justice. Residents hope the peaceful image of their village will not be overshadowed by this shocking act of violence.
