Trump pleads not guilty on Jan. 6 charges, calls it 'sad day for America’

Current and former U.S. Capitol Police officers who were at the Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack reacted to former President Donald Trump's indictment following his arraignment on Thursday.

U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn told ABC News Live the indictment reflected "equal justice under the law" being applied.

"It's a necessary step on the road, the path to justice and accountability," Dunn said. "I didn't expect much from this hearing arraignment. I didn't learn anything new. But it was good to see former President Trump facing accountability just like any other person in this country would if they committed the crimes that he did."

Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Aquilino Gonell told ABC News Live the indictment is "the beginning of a long process" they have been waiting for for more than 2 1/2 years.

"We all know who directed the attack on that day and who could have had done something to stop it," Gonell said.

-ABC News' Casey McShea and Michelle Stoddart

Former President Donald Trump is back at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club following his arraignment in Washington, D.C.

Former President Donald Trump spoke briefly at Reagan National Airport after leaving the D.C. District Court.

"This is a very sad day for America," he said before boarding his plane.

"This is a persecution of a political opponent," he added.

Special prosecutor Tom Windom approached the bench and requested a speedy trial.

"This case will benefit from normal order including a speedy trial," Windom said.

But the defense said it needs ample opportunity to review a massive amount of evidence to be entered by the government.

Defense attorney John Lauro told the judge they need an "understanding" from the government about the "magnitude of discovery," including electronic data and documents.

The judge responded to Windom by saying the court would ensure a "fair trial" without elaborating.

"There will be a fair process and a fair trial in this court," the judge said. "I am certain of that."

Still, Lauro continued to raise issues, saying of special counsel Jack Smith: "They've had 3 1/2 years to investigate this matter, and also there's a number of agents and lawyers that are assisting the government in this proceeding, and all we would ask is the opportunity to fairly defend our client, but in order to do that we're going to need a little time."

The judge told Lauro to raise any concerns with the district judge overseeing the trial.

-ABC News' Soorin Kim and Mike Levine