Bride Killed, Groom Injured as Gunmen Attack Wedding Party in Southern France

A 27-year-old bride was shot dead and three others, including her groom and a 13-year-old child, were seriously injured after gunmen opened fire on a wedding party in the quiet village of Goult in southeastern France early Sunday morning.

Authorities say the attack took place around 4:30 a.m. as the newlyweds were leaving their celebration. Masked gunmen reportedly confronted them outside the venue before opening fire. One of the attackers was also killed during the incident — believed to have been struck in retaliation, possibly by the couple’s car, according to initial investigations.

The groom, 25, and the young teen were in the couple’s vehicle at the time of the attack and suffered serious injuries, officials said. Another person was wounded.

Prosecutors suspect the shooting may be linked to a drug-related feud. “The attackers arrived by car and carried several weapons. After the shooting, they fled the scene on foot,” said Florence Galtier, the prosecutor in Avignon.

The attack shocked the village of Goult, known for its scenic charm and peaceful atmosphere. Only 28 people were present in the village hall when the shooting occurred.

“I’m angry. I’m outraged,” said Mayor Didier Perello. “We’re not ruling anything out. We’ve seen this kind of violence in nearby towns.”

A murder and attempted murder investigation has been launched, with dozens of officers and a helicopter deployed in a manhunt for the remaining suspects.

The couple had reportedly booked the village hall in March, though they were not residents of Goult. “This is a tragedy for our community. It’s the worst violence we’ve seen here in over a century,” said local restaurant owner Guillaume Molinas.

The French government has vowed to step up its crackdown on drug trafficking and organized crime amid rising violence linked to narcotics across the country.