A 27-year-old bride was fatally shot and three others were wounded when masked gunmen opened fire at a wedding celebration in the early hours of Sunday morning in Goult, France. The attack occurred around 4:30 a.m. on June 22, 2025, as the newlyweds were leaving their reception at the village hall.
According to Avignon prosecutor Florence Galtier, the bride and her 25-year-old groom were confronted by attackers wearing balaclavas who arrived by car and carried several weapons. One of the gunmen was killed during the incident, while three others fled on foot.
The wounded include the groom, a 13-year-old child who was in the couple’s vehicle, and the groom’s sister. Both the groom and child sustained serious injuries.
A total of 28 people were present in the village hall at the time of the attack. The couple had reserved the venue in March for their wedding celebration, according to local officials. The victims were identified as members of the Moroccan community in France.
Investigators believe the shooting may be linked to drug-related score-settling. French media reports indicate the groom had a lengthy criminal history with connections to organized crime and drug offenses, while his sister also had a violent offense on her record. The bride was reportedly unknown to police.
One of the attackers was struck and killed by the couple’s car as they attempted to escape the scene. The three remaining gunmen fled on foot, prompting authorities to launch a massive manhunt involving dozens of police officers and a helicopter. Two suspects were taken into custody following the search operation, though no information about their identities has been released.
The Avignon prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation for murder and attempted murder by an organized gang. Local officials believe the attack was planned and potentially gang-related.
Goult Mayor Didier Perello expressed outrage over the incident, telling reporters he was angry and would not rule out any possible explanations. The mayor noted that the village hall had been rented by people who do not live in the commune. He indicated the community was in proximity to towns where similar violence had occurred previously.
The attack has shocked the picturesque village of Goult, located in southeastern France approximately 50 miles north of Marseille. The village has a population of just over 1,000 residents as of 2022. Restaurant owner Guillaume Molinas expressed concern that the tragedy would give the village a bad reputation, noting that “the last major incident in the village was 125 years ago.”
Police blocked access to the scene Sunday morning as investigators worked to gather evidence. The shooting represents a rare occurrence of such violence in the quiet Luberon region village, which is typically known for its peaceful atmosphere.
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about drug-related violence in the region. Marseille, the nearby port city, has experienced numerous drug-related killings in recent years, prompting the French government to intensify efforts against narcotics and related crimes.
Authorities continue their search for the third suspect while the investigation proceeds. The prosecutor’s office has not released additional details about the two individuals currently in custody or their potential connection to the attack.
