Syracuse University alumnus and Vice President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he will not be running for president.

The announcement, which took place in the Rose Garden of the White House, ends a three-month exploration period for Biden that began after the death of his son, Beau Biden, who was also an SU alumnus.

“Unfortunately, I believe we’re out of time, the time necessary to mount a winning campaign for the nomination,” Biden said. “But while I will not be a candidate, I will not be silent.”

Biden had said on numerous occasions that he would not run if he were not emotionally ready, given the fact that Beau Biden died of brain cancer in May.

The 72-year-old made his decision Tuesday night, according to The New York Times.

With Biden not entering the race, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) are the frontrunners for the Democratic nomination.