WASHINGTON – Hundreds of people gathered in sadness to remember a 27-year-old man who died near the popular DC9 nightclub last Friday.

The candlelight vigil quickly turned to anger over the alleged attack of Ali Mohammed. It was an emotional evening as the crowd poured into the street and shut down the intersection of 9th and U Street, NW.

“We want justice. We want justice. We want answers,” cried the crowd carrying candles and signs.

Many of them wanted the charges against the five nightclub workers who were arrested to be upgraded from aggravated assault to murder.

“My son was not a violent man and did not deserve to die as he did,” said Ahmed Galchu, the victim’s father. “We have faith in the American system.”

“All of these people would not be standing out here if Ali was the type who deserved to die the way he did,” said Nunu Wako, Mohammad’s cousin. “I can understand if it was just one-on-one thing but five-to-one is utterly barbaric and savage.”

D.C. Police say Mohammed was turned away from the nightclub and became angry. Witnesses say he threw a brick through the nightclub’s plate glass window.

Detectives say the 27-year-old Ethiopian immigrant was allegedly chased, beat and stomped by the workers.

Council Member Jim Graham brought an update after meeting with police.

“They have evidence sufficient to justify the charge of murder. I said to myself, ‘Thank God that there is the evidence that will substantiate the murder charge’ and so I ask you to be patient when I know your hearts are crying out,” said Graham.

The official cause of death is pending, but the case has already struck a chord in the Ethiopian community. Some are asking for calm.

“We should not try to take vengeance into our own hand. We should let the justice system take its place,” said ANC Commissioner Gail Anderson.

Lawyers for the men arrested have said police have jumped to conclusions in the case and maintain their innocence.

City officials suspended the club’s liquor license Tuesday. The nightclub has three days to request a hearing on the suspension.