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A joyous wedding celebration in Provence tragically turned into a bloodbath in the early hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025, when a gang of masked gunmen ambushed the newlyweds, leaving the bride dead and the groom injured. The horrific attack, which also resulted in the death of one assailant and injuries to three others, has triggered a massive manhunt across the Vaucluse department.
The picturesque village of Goult, typically a tranquil haven in the heart of Provence, was shattered by the sound of gunfire around 4:30 AM on Sunday. According to initial police reports and witness testimonies, a group of four hooded individuals opened fire on the bride and groom as they were departing their wedding venue. The bride was fatally shot in the shocking assault.
In a dramatic turn of events during the chaos, one of the attackers was reportedly killed – crushed by the couple's car as they desperately attempted to flee the scene. This detail suggests a chaotic and desperate struggle, highlighting the terror experienced by the victims.
Beyond the tragic loss of the bride, three other individuals sustained injuries. The groom, whose identity has not yet been released, was among the wounded. A woman and a 13-year-old boy also suffered injuries in the attack, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the gunfire and the wide-ranging impact on the wedding party. The severity of their injuries has not been publicly disclosed, but they are receiving medical attention.
Authorities have swiftly launched a massive response, with more than 100 police officers and gendarmes deployed to the area. A major manhunt is currently underway for the three remaining suspects who fled the scene. Roadblocks have been established, and forensic teams are meticulously examining the crime scene for clues.
Investigators from the Marseille gendarmerie’s research unit have taken charge of the inquiry. Early indications, as reported by Le Figaro, suggest that the attack may be linked to a "settling of scores" – a common term in France for revenge killings or disputes between organized criminal groups. This line of inquiry implies that the attack might have been premeditated and targeted, though it remains unclear whether the bride or groom were the intended targets, or if they were tragically caught in the crossfire of a pre-existing feud. The sheer brutality and public nature of the attack, at a wedding no less, points to a brazen display of force by the perpetrators.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and across France, raising serious concerns about public safety and the prevalence of organized crime. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on apprehending the remaining suspects and uncovering the motive behind this heinous act that turned a day of celebration into a day of mourning.
