The status of commissioning of the electron injector intended for the next phase of the proton driven wakefield experiment (AWAKE) is presented, showing first experimental results from operating the brazing-free electron gun. To provide a high-quality electron beam, the UV laser was centered on the copper cathode, and a novel simplex and beam-based alignment of the focusing solenoid was performed. Measurements of the beam parameters and working points are addressed. The electron gun is shown to provide a high quality, stable and reproducible beam.