Gunmen kill bride, injures groom in deadly ambush

A tragic shooting has shaken the quiet village of Goult in southeastern France, after a 27-year-old bride was shot dead just moments after leaving her own wedding celebration.

The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025, around 4:30 a.m., as the newlyweds were departing the venue in their car.

According to local prosecutor Florence Galtier, the couple had just finished celebrating with about 100 guests when a vehicle pulled up behind them, blocking their exit.

Several hooded individuals reportedly exited the vehicle and opened fire using multiple weapons.

The bride died on the spot, while her 25-year-old husband and a 13-year-old child sustained serious injuries.

A wedding guest was also reported to have suffered minor wounds. One of the attackers was killed in the shootout, and the remaining suspects fled the scene on foot.

Authorities have not released the identities of the victims or suspects. A criminal investigation has been launched into murder and attempted murder by an organized group.

Autopsies are scheduled to be performed later this week, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Local mayor Didier Perello expressed deep shock and sorrow, calling the attack unprecedented for the peaceful region.

“Goult is a quiet village that has never witnessed anything like this.

We are still in disbelief,” he said in an interview with French broadcaster BFMTV. “There is great sorrow, but also anger.”

In a potentially related development, another fatal shooting occurred in nearby Avignon during the same time period.

Authorities have yet to determine if there is a connection between the two events.

The region of Provence, better known for vineyards and picturesque landscapes, is now grappling with a brutal act of violence on what should have been a day of joy and new beginnings.

The shooting has left the local community in mourning, with police launching a full-scale manhunt for the remaining suspects.

As investigations continue, the tragic loss of a young bride on her wedding day remains a stark reminder of the rising threat of organized criminal violence, even in the most unexpected places.

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