Mathew Amaechi
What began as a joyful celebration ended in tragedy when gunmen stormed a wedding party in the early hours of Sunday, killing a 27-year-old bride and injuring three others, including the groom and a child. Two suspects have since been taken into custody, French authorities confirmed on Monday.
The assault took place around 4:30 a.m. in the tranquil village of Goult, nestled in southeastern France, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community. The bride and groom were reportedly leaving the venue when masked assailants opened fire. In the chaos, one of the attackers was killed, and the 25-year-old groom, a 13-year-old child, and another guest sustained injuries.
A third suspect remains at large, prompting a wide-scale manhunt involving dozens of officers and a police helicopter. Authorities have opened a formal investigation into murder and attempted murder by an organised gang.
While officials have not released the identities of the suspects, sources close to the case revealed that both men in custody are between 20 and 30 years old. They were apprehended several hours after the attack. Prosecutors are exploring possible links to drug trafficking and score-settling in the criminal underworld, as the groom is known to police for past involvement in organised crime.
Details surrounding the death of one of the attackers remain unclear. Avignon prosecutor Florence Galtier confirmed there had been an exchange of fire but declined to elaborate. However, investigators believe the attacker may have been struck by the couple’s car as they attempted to flee the scene.
Weapons used in the ambush were recovered at the scene, and autopsies for both the bride and the slain assailant are scheduled for later this week.
As forensic teams continue to piece together what led to the violence, residents of Goult—more accustomed to serene countryside weddings than gun battles—are reeling.
“The horror of this kind of violence unfolding at a celebration of love is beyond comprehension,” one local official said.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the third suspect to come forward.