The case looks very interesting:
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/10/2...keover-of-oregon-wildlife-refuge.html?0p19G=c
In short, the charges required motive - that they either intended to harm others, or at least impede the federal workers.
Since they took the building during a time it wouldn't have otherwise been occupied or used, and further since there were paid federal workers present whose activities were not impeded, the jury didn't see fit to render a guilty verdict for that.
It appears that the prosecutor didn't make a strong enough case that they intended to harm anyone either.
I suppose that they've provided an example of how to peacefully stage a protest at a federal building, something which a lot of people have done before them, demanding what they believe to be their rights, and doubtless a lot will do after them since the government and others are restricting rights.
I suppose congress will enact new laws that would enable jail time for protestors in federal buildings even if they don't impede federal workers or harm anyone, but I'm guessing such laws would be used to suppress minority activists in a rather unpleasant way.
I wonder. If these men didn't bring their firearms with them, would that have been an acceptable protest? Is the only difference between MLK and these folks, besides the protest topic, the fact that they also exercised their second amendment rights while protesting?
It's certainly an illuminating case.