The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell stated that the American democracy appeared to be "under siege,"[1] while the President of the European Council Charles Michel added that the US Congress was a "temple of democracy" and called the events a "shock,"[185] Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, called the scenes at the U.S. Capitol "shocking" on Twitter, and stated that the "outcome of this democratic election must be respected".[207] The Organization of American States declared that the "exercise of force and vandalism against the institutions constitutes a serious attack against democratic functioning."[185] Also, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, stated that he was "saddened by the events at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday" and added that "in such circumstances, it is important that political leaders impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence, as well as to respect democratic processes and the rule of law."[208]