A 27-year-old bride was fatally shot and her 25-year-old groom seriously wounded when masked gunmen opened fire at a wedding celebration in the peaceful village of Goult, near Avignon in southeastern France, local authorities have confirmed.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, shortly after the couple and their guests left the village hall where the wedding reception had taken place. A 13-year-old child was also critically injured in the assault, which officials believe may be connected to a drug-related dispute.
Gunman Killed During Attack
One suspected assailant was killed during the violence, reportedly in an exchange of gunfire. Avignon prosecutor Florence Galtier clarified that the suspect was struck "in the exchange," correcting earlier reports that suggested he might have been hit by the couple's vehicle.
According to police reports, the attack happened around 04:30 local time (02:30 GMT) on Sunday. Approximately 28 people were present in the hall at the time, with another woman sustaining minor injuries during the incident.
Manhunt Underway
A major manhunt has been launched for the other gunmen involved, with dozens of police officers and a helicopter deployed across the area. The suspects reportedly arrived by car but fled the scene on foot after the attack.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into murder and attempted murder as they work to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Community in Shock
Goult's mayor, Didier Perello, expressed outrage at the violence, noting that the village hall had been rented in March by people who were not residents of the commune.
"I'm outraged," Perello said. "We're close to towns. I won't name them, where unfortunately we've seen this kind of thing before."
Local residents, stunned by the attack, fear it could tarnish the image of their peaceful village of around 1,000 people. Guillaume Molinas, a 50-year-old restaurant owner, remarked, "The last major incident in the village was 125 years ago. I fear this will give Goult a bad name."
This violent incident stands in stark contrast to the typically tranquil atmosphere of the French countryside, raising concerns about potential drug-related violence spreading to rural communities.
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