New Orleans ? Thousands marched Thursday on City Hall, seeking an end to the violence that has claimed nine lives in this struggling city since New Year’s Day.

Police estimated the crowd at 5,000 people. Several marchers held signs reading “Silence is Violence,” referring to police complaints that witnesses to some killings are not coming forward.

“Seeing a crime, seeing criminal activity and not saying something is a crime. Tell somebody, even if they tell someone who can speak on your behalf. Get the word out,” said Amy Brown, 35, who said she is rebuilding a home in the Central City neighborhood, home to some of the worst violence.

Mayor Ray Nagin, the object of many marchers’ jeers and protest signs, watched from behind a podium but did not take part in the rally at the behest of organizers.

Members of the city’s popular Hot 8 Brass Band – whose drummer, Dinerral Shavers, was shot and killed in front of his family Dec. 28 – led the march, chanting “We Shall Overcome” as they carried a banner that read “March For Survival, Walk With Us.”