A tragic shooting turned a wedding celebration into a scene of horror in the village of Goult, southeastern France, early Sunday, leaving the bride dead and several others seriously injured.
According to reports from Le Figaro and CBS News, the violence erupted around 4:30 a.m. local time as the bride and groom were leaving their reception. Masked gunmen opened fire on the newlyweds and their guests, killing the 27-year-old bride at the scene. The groom, a 13-year-old child, and the groom’s sister were also injured in the gunfire.
One of the attackers was also killed after being struck by the couple’s vehicle as they tried to flee, a source close to the investigation told CBS News. Goult Mayor Didier Perello, during a press briefing at the crime scene, claimed the shooting was targeted. Authorities believe the ambush was premeditated and potentially linked to gang violence, Le Figaro also reported.
The outlet also revealed French prosecutors in Avignon have launched a full investigation into “murder and attempted murder by an organized gang.” Local sources told Le Parisien that while the bride had no known criminal ties, the groom reportedly has a long history of criminal offenses. The groom’s sister is said to have a violent offense on her record, as well.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released, and both the groom and the child remain in serious condition. Officials are now working to determine the identities and motives of the remaining assailants, while police have launched a large-scale manhunt as the investigation continues.
