Overwhelming response to gun buyback

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A long line of people waited at Austin Cornerstone Church to trade in their guns for free Visa gift cards. So many people showed up, organizers ran out of funding in the first couple of hours.

Mike Reimschisel spent his Saturday morning, waiting in line.

"It's part of life," said Reimschisel. "I guess they didn't think this many people would show up."

He's trading in his broken gun and getting a free gift card in return.

" I tried to recycle it but no one wants to take the responsibility," said Reimschisel. "I'm glad I get food for my family."

Austin Police Department and the Greater Austin Crime Commission organized the event.

"We're completely surprised by the overwhelming response from the community," said Sgt. Ely Reyes, Austin Police Department. "This is the first time we've done an event like this in Austin, and we weren't sure how many people would be here."

Within the first hour, APD and the Greater Austin Crime Commission collected more than 320 guns and already dispersed approximately $30,000 which they set aside for the program. After that, they started using their back-up funds. But an hour later, they were completely out of those funds. Some people stuck around after the money ran out to just get rid of their guns.

They say the program was a huge success, with more people than they ever anticipated.

"There's a lot of people who don't know how to get rid of a weapon or just don't want a gun back on the street," said Reyes. "That's what this event is for. We take it from them, no questions asked. We ensure that the weapon will be destroyed."

 Austin Police were basing the future of this program on Saturday's turnout. According to Sgt. Reyes, this is a good sign that the program will return.