That's what Fox just reported.
Not a flame, but I just re-read the articles and I wasn't able to find any quote attributed to any of the men where they, themselves said they were playing a joke. The only references to the possibility of a joke or a hoax came from the woman or the authorities.
Florida Terror Arrests a "Hoax?":
"...Federal sources involved in the investigation said they believe the three men - all U.S. citizens - were playing a stupid joke on another restaurant patron who gave them a suspicious look."
And...
"...In an interview on Fox News Channel on Friday, Stone said she thought they might be playing a hoax..."
Where did any of you read that the men themselves said they were playing a joke or perpetrating a hoax?
dan