The Newburgh community is mourning the loss of an 11-year-old boy fatally shot while playing with friends Thursday morning.

"Me and my wife are very upset about the situation because it's close to home," says Newburgh resident Frank Williams.

Police say they were called to a home on North Miller Street around 8:17 a.m. for reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found the child dead from a gunshot wound to the head.

Sources tell News 12 the shooting happened as children were playing with a firearm. The weapon — described as a handgun — was recovered at the scene, but it’s still unclear how the children got the gun or who fired it. They say the boy's mother called 911 screaming and that the call was so horrific dispatchers are receiving emotional support.

A heavy police presence could be seen outside the multifamily home for hours as Newburgh police, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, ATF and the FBI worked to gather evidence. Police tape surrounded the street, and an EMS glove lay on the pavement as detectives documented the scene.

MORE: News 12's Ben Nandy spoke to friends, family and neighbors.

Neighbors say the area is usually filled with the sound of children and the boy killed playing, and that this loss has left them devastated.

“I would just see the kids playing around with other kids and their mom. It’s just sad,” said neighbor Edgar Vasquez.

Out of an abundance of caution, all Newburgh schools were placed on a secure lockout earlier in the day, but the district now says that lockout has been lifted. After- school activities have been canceled.

"He was 11 years old, he was a good kid. We saw him daily, he played with my grandkids," said Gloria Adams, who works nearby.

Police have not released the child’s name or said whether anyone is in custody as the investigation continues.

“It’s just sad. I don’t know how to explain this," said Etelvina Sevilla. "I can’t even imagine the mom. I don’t know."

The victim was a student within the Newburgh Enlarged City School District.

"It is with profound sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that one of our students was found fatally shot this morning inside of a residence. Our hearts are heavy, and our entire school community is grieving this tragic loss," said superintendent Dr. J. Manning Campbell in a statement.