Bride Shot Dead on Her Wedding Night in French Village Attack

A 27‑year‑old bride was shot dead and the groom and a 13‑year‑old child were seriously injured when masked men opened fire on the couple just after their wedding in Goult, a small village near Avignon, early on June 22.

According to Digi24, local authorities say the attack appears to be gang-related, possibly linked to a drug dispute.

The shooting occurred around 4:30 a.m. as the bride and groom were leaving the reception. As the attackers opened fire, the couple attempted to flee in their car.

In the chaos, the groom ran over one of the gunmen, killing him.

The gunmen arrived in a car—reports suggest a Volkswagen Golf—and began shooting at the newlyweds.

In total, the bride, the groom, a teenage child, and another family member were wounded. A female relative sustained lighter injuries. The bride and the one deceased attacker died at the scene.

Investigation Underway

Avignon prosecutors have classified the incident as murder and attempted murder by an organized gang. They say the attack seems targeted.

The groom reportedly has a history of criminal activity, and the violence is believed to involve a drug-related feud.

Dozens of police officers have been deployed—including a helicopter—in a wide manhunt to find the remaining masked attackers, who fled on foot into the village.

Goult’s mayor, Didier Perello, expressed outrage, saying such a violent crime in a village of around 1,000 people is unacceptable. The suspect who was hit by the car had not fired back and was reportedly hit during an altercation.

The wedding venue had been reserved by the couple, who do not live in the village.