A 12-year-old has died of a gunshot wound in Boston, police say

A 12-year-old boy died of a gunshot wound in Boston on Thursday, authorities said.

Boston police announced Thursday night they arrested and charged Walter Hendrick, 22, of Mattapan, with improper storage of a firearm (that is accessible to someone under 18), unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The shooting took place inside a home in Mattapan on Thursday afternoon. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, Boston police said in a statement. The boy's identity has not been released.

There is no ongoing threat to public safety, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

Hendrick is set to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on Friday morning.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said first responders attempted to resuscitate the child.

“It’s a horrible tragedy for the entire city whenever anyone of our young people is lost, and for a child of this age being lost to gun violence is a nightmare," she said in a news conference at the scene on Thursday. “In the summer when our kids should be enjoying, having fun, playing and growing, this is especially a nightmare for a mom and for a family.”

Police Commissioner Michael Cox called the death unnecessary.

“I implore folks, if you have guns in your home ... turn them in to us,” he said.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the police.

With reporting from The Associated Press.