Conway, SC – A retired Conway lawyer allegedly brandished what authorities later determined to be a hollowed-out grenade at a group of anti-abortion protestors Monday, prompting a police examination.
According to a Conway Police report, the incident occurred as protestors were gathered near a church. Four individuals independently reported that Robert Lovelace, a retired attorney, approached them while concealing his hands in his pockets, then produced the device. Lovelace reportedly stated, “For y’all. you know, a gift for you protestors,” before returning the grenade to his pocket and walking away.
The incident underscores escalating tensions surrounding abortion rights demonstrations, notably in South Carolina where abortion access remains a contested legal and political issue.While the grenade was ultimately found to be inert, the act has raised concerns about potential threats toward protestors and the legal ramifications for Lovelace.
News13 contacted both protest organizers and Lovelace for comment on Monday but did not receive an immediate response. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.