Do you think the reporter was trying to be funny?

No idea. But it certainly was. :-)

That is why the UFOs don't hang in Oklahoma. We'd shoot those puppies down and put um in our front yards. Then we'd invite ya'll over for MoonPies and pictures. Ya'll come. We’re the house with the UFO sit’n next to the lawn chairs and the toilet with the plants in it. Oh and it’s the third house on the right. The one not the one with the wagon wheel and Christmas lights that un Bob’s house.

I read a fairly extensive interview with the Sorrells guy and he answers the questions in a credible fashion, pointing out details of what he saw that the local TV story does not go into. And nowhere does he say anything like the "interstellar war" remark made by the TV reporter. Oh, and he identifies himself as a believer and a Southern Baptist :-)

See earthfiles.com.

Interstellar Wars are the worst. Didn't anyone see Galaxy Quest?

If you think this Iraq business is bad . . .

Sorrels did us all a huge favor.

Yes. Here in Texas, we tend to shoot things with which we are unfamiliar in order to ascertain what they are. Who knows? Sometimes they're edible! :-)

Brian that is hilarious.
I'm with Quaid. I think Sorrels IS a hero!
We dodged a bullet and most of the world doesn't even realize it.

Also, Sorrels is Southern Baptist so he has instant credibility with me. :-)
Seriously.
All kidding aside he does sound pretty convincing in the earthfiles article.