MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont Republican Gov. Phil Scott said Thursday that state lawmakers have a duty to step up and help heal the wounds of a divided nation.

Scott, in brief remarks made to the Legislature after he was sworn in for his third term, said he was shocked to see to the Wednesday attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

“'Seeing our capitol, a symbol of democracy around the world, stormed by this mob of traitors was heartbreaking,” said Scott, who on Wednesday called for President Donald Trump to resign or be removed from office. “The fact that these flames of hate and insurrection were lit by the President of the United States will be remembered as one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history.”

He said that if lawmakers won't lead the way, it was unclear who would.

“We simply can’t go on like this any longer, and as elected officials, we all have a responsibility to step up and show the way," Scott said in his message, which was delivered to lawmakers remotely.

He said he knew that lawmakers would have disagreements, but those are part of the system of government.

“'Challenging each other’s proposals and asking tough questions to better understand, leads to better policy and better outcomes,” Scott said. “I believe if we take the time to listen to, and learn from, one another, seek consensus where we can and compromise when we can’t, Vermonters will benefit from our work.”

On Thursday evening, Scott is scheduled to give his inaugural address — which is usually given to a joint session of the Legislature after the governor takes the oath of office — remotely.

Scott took the oath administered by Vermont Supreme Court Chief Justice John Reiber. Scott then administered the oath of office to most statewide office holders.

Earlier Thursday, Lt. Gov. Molly Gray, a Democratic political newcomer, took the oath of office in the Senate chamber in a session that most senators attended remotely.

Scott and lawmakers are expected to focus their attention this year on helping Vermont recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Among the issues likely to be discussed are the need for reliable broadband internet service in rural areas, affordable child care and support for businesses hurt by the pandemic.

On Wednesday, the Legislature kicked off the 2021 session with the election of Democratic Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski and Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint, also a Democrat.