A 27-year-old bride was shot and killed by masked gunmen during her wedding celebration in the early hours of June 22, 2025, in the village of Goult, France. The attack also left three others injured, including the 25-year-old groom and a 13-year-old child who was in the couple’s vehicle.

The shooting occurred around 4:30 a.m. as the newlyweds were leaving their wedding reception at the village hall. According to prosecutors, the attackers arrived by car and confronted the couple with multiple weapons as they attempted to depart the celebration.

Avignon prosecutor Florence Galtier confirmed that both the bride and one of the attackers died during the incident. Some sources say the attacker was killed when he was struck by the couple’s car as they tried to escape the ambush. However, CBS News, citing the Avignon prosecutor, Florence Galtier, states that the attacker was hit “in return,” implying a broader exchange of fire—not necessarily by the vehicle. Three other gunmen fled the scene on foot after the shooting.

The 13-year-old child and the groom sustained serious injuries in the attack. Sources close to the investigation told media outlets that the child was the newlyweds’ son, though officials have not confirmed this relationship. The groom’s sister was also wounded during the incident. All three injured victims received treatment for their injuries, which were described as serious but not life-threatening.

Law enforcement agencies launched a massive manhunt involving dozens of police officers and helicopter support to locate the remaining suspects. Two people were arrested following the extensive search operation, though authorities continue to hunt for a third suspect who remains at large.

The Avignon prosecutor’s office opened an investigation for murder and attempted murder by an organized gang. Sources close to the case indicated the violence may be linked to drug-related score-settling, though the exact motive remains under investigation.

According to French media reports, the groom had an extensive criminal history with connections to organized crime and drug offenses. The bride was reportedly unknown to police before the incident. Reports indicated that members of the wedding party belonged to France’s Moroccan community.

A total of 28 people were present at the village hall during the time of the attack. The couple had reserved the wedding venue in March, several months before the celebration. Goult Mayor Didier Perello confirmed that the couple did not live in the commune but had rented the village hall for their wedding.

Perello expressed his anger and outrage over the incident, stating he would not rule out any possible explanations for the attack. He noted that the village is located near towns where similar incidents have occurred previously, though he declined to name specific locations.

The shooting has shocked the small, picturesque village of Goult, which has a population of just over 1,000 residents. Local restaurant owner Guillaume Molinas expressed concern that the tragedy would damage the village’s reputation, noting that the last major incident in Goult occurred 125 years ago.

Goult is located in southeastern France, approximately 50 miles north of Marseille. The port city of Marseille has experienced numerous drug-related killings in recent years, contributing to concerns about organized crime activity in the region.

The attack represents a significant escalation of violence in what is typically a peaceful rural area. Local officials described the shooting as appearing to be a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence, based on the manner in which the gunmen approached and confronted the wedding party.

French authorities have intensified their efforts to combat narcotics and drug-related crime in recent months. The government has pledged to increase resources dedicated to fighting organized criminal groups operating in various regions of the country.

The investigation continues as police work to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the attack and identify all individuals involved. Authorities have not released additional details about the two suspects currently in custody or provided information about their potential connections to the victims.