I’m sympathetic, but I want to know one thing.
If this assembly of ranchers had a purpose to educate and advocate for affected communities, then why was it necessary to occupy a federal building that had been closed down for the season?
I believe they decided they had to bring attention to the plight of the ranchers, Dwight and Steven Hammond from Harney County Oregon. (They were illegally re-sentenced to additional jail time after serving their original sentences, AKA Double jeopardy for starting a back burn.)
There are literally hundreds if not thousands of these stories of Ranchers suffering under the heavy hands of these federal agencies with no recourse. I believe they thought an act of civil disobedience would educate and help bring to light all of the problems. They just didn’t think they would get killed for doing it.