A picturesque wedding night in the quiet French village of Goult turned into a horrifying nightmare when masked gunmen stormed a celebration, killing a 27-year-old bride in cold blood and leaving the groom and a young child fighting for their lives.
The attack, which occurred around 4:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, just hours after the couple had exchanged vows, shattered the peace of the scenic village near Avignon. According to local reports, the couple was leaving the village hall—where about 28 people had gathered to mark their union—when the assailants opened fire.
Authorities confirmed that one of the gunmen was killed during an apparent shootout, while the 25-year-old groom and a 13-year-old child sustained serious injuries. A woman also suffered minor injuries amid the chaos.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as one of utter panic and disbelief. “There were screams, blood, and confusion everywhere. It was supposed to be a night of love and laughter—it ended in unimaginable terror,” one guest reportedly said.
The attackers, who arrived by car, fled the scene on foot. A massive manhunt has since been launched, involving dozens of officers and a police helicopter, as authorities scour the surrounding area for the remaining suspects.
While the motive remains officially unconfirmed, several French media outlets suggest the attack may be connected to a drug-related vendetta. Prosecutor Florence Galtier stated that the deceased suspect had been struck during “an exchange of fire,” implying that someone at the venue may have returned fire in self-defense or during the melee.
The tragedy has left residents of Goult in a state of collective mourning and disbelief. Mayor Didier Perello expressed his deep outrage, revealing that the village hall had been booked in March by individuals not native to the area. “I’m outraged,” he said. “We’re close to towns—I won’t name them—where unfortunately, we’ve seen this kind of thing before.”
For locals, the incident is unprecedented. “The last major incident in this village was 125 years ago,” said Guillaume Molinas, a 50-year-old restaurant owner. “This kind of violence is not just rare—it’s unheard of. I fear this will give Goult a bad name and stain our peaceful legacy.”
Police have launched an official investigation into murder and attempted murder. As the village grapples with the aftermath, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
What was meant to be the happiest day of a young couple’s life has now become a symbol of senseless violence, leaving a bride dead, a groom broken, and a community forever scarred.
PIONEER NEWS 