Some joined the march along its path, and the word "justice!" was shouted. João's mother, Rosa Vieites said at the time, "It's very painful to walk this path, but our community has given us a lot of strength." One of those who marched explained, "The important thing is to show up on the street to march, to speak out, and to learn. We can't just accept being passively massacred by violence and do nothing." According to police estimates, about 500 people participated. During the march, 110 policemen were scattered along the route to provide protection. Rio's public security chief, José Mariano Beltrame participated in the procession. Beltrame commented on the march: "The public security can't be put solely on the shoulders of the police forces. What the people are bravely doing in the street is a power of the public that is the very thing that can change the social paradigm of violence.