France: Bride killed and groom injured after shooting

A wedding ended in tragedy in France, in the Luberon. As they were returning after the celebrations, the couple was targeted by gunmen. The bride (27 years old) was killed. A child was also injured. Police have reportedly already placed two people in custody.

Goult, a village in the Luberon (France), 4:30 in the morning, Sunday 22 June 2025. A couple was leaving their wedding party by car, with a 13-year-old child sitting in the back seat. Suddenly! They were caught in a shootout with several masked attackers. Shots were fired (from both sides, according to initial findings). The driver of the vehicle tried to escape and hit one of the shooters while reversing. That person was killed. Two others fled on foot. In the attacked car, the 25-year-old groom and the teenager were seriously injured. For the 27-year-old bride, however, the gunshots proved fatal.

Two suspects arrested?

The Marseille gendarmerie has taken charge of the investigation for murder and attempted murder by an organised gang. On Monday 23 June, sources told AFP (Agence France Presse) that two men under the age of 30 were in police custody. A third man is reportedly still at large. There is as yet no official confirmation that they are the perpetrators of the deadly ambush. The Avignon prosecutor, Ms Florence Galtier, did specify that the attackers arrived by car with several weapons. The injured husband was known to the French authorities for organised crime and drug trafficking. One of the theories being considered – though not confirmed – is a settling of scores.

(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Source: Le Soir with AFP – Photo: © picture alliance/dpa/MAXPPP | Dauphin Philippe)