KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An 85-year-old white man who shot a Black teen that approached the wrong house in Kansas City, Missouri, while trying to pick up his younger brothers has been charged with first-degree assault, the Clay County prosecutor said Monday.

Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said at a news conference that there was a “racial component” to the incident Thursday night in which Andrew Lester twice shot 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, who is recovering at home after being released from the hospital on Sunday. But nothing in the charging documents says the shooting was racially motivated, Thompson clarified.

“We understand how frustrating this has been but I can assure you the criminal justice system is working and will continue to work,” Thompson said at a news conference.

The shooting outraged many in Kansas City and across the country. Civic and political leaders demanded justice and some, including lawyers for Yarl, pressed the racial dimension of the case.

Rev. Vernon Howard, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City, called the shooting a “heinous and hate-filled crime.” Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on Twitter that “No child should ever live in fear of being shot for ringing the wrong doorbell.” The Missouri Senate held a moment of silence for Yarl on Monday.

The assault charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison. Lester was also charged with armed criminal action, which has a penalty range of three to 15 years in prison. Thompson said an arrest warrant was issued but Lester was not yet in custody.

Yarl, an honor student and all-state band member, was supposed to pick up his two younger brothers Thursday night when he approached the wrong house. Lester came to the door and shot Yarl in the forehead — then shot him again, in the right forearm.