Sure it does. What else would you call it? What is the reason for being armed...what would the justification be if not intimidation or to give out the message that they are willing to use deadly force? Would the Klan be allowed to carry at a public demonstration? How about an armed Gay pride parade?  how about black muslims carrying guns on a march to DC? Just what did this "standoff" accomplish for the ranch owners? Did they win ANYTHING? Did they gain one ounce of public support? The majority of the public has no understanding or sympathy. Does anyone even know what it was they were "protesting"? I don't, and I have followed all the news stories.  Are they against tribal ownership of lands? Against wildlife refuges? What? Who cares?