Former Vice President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84. His family says he passed away from complications of pneumonia and heart disease.

Cheney served two terms alongside President George W. Bush and became one of the most influential figures in American politics during the early 2000s. In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, he was a steady, often unseen presence, frequently moved to undisclosed locations to ensure continuity of government during those uncertain days.

Nearly a year after the attacks, Cheney spoke at a ceremonial congressional session in New York, reminding Americans of their resilience: “We know that our freedom came at a very high price. We have no intention now of letting it slip away.”

He went on to help shape the nation’s new security strategy following 9/11 and was known as a strong advocate for decisive action, particularly when it came to the Iraq War — policies that would define much of the Bush administration’s “war on terror.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine released a statement following Cheney’s death:

“Fran and I were saddened to learn this morning of the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney. I first got to know him when we were members of Congress together and he was in the House Republican leadership. He was thoughtful, steady, and an advocate for his beloved Wyoming. Our nation got to see his leadership up close when he served as U.S. Secretary of Defense and directed our military strategy in Operation Desert Storm. Vice President Cheney served his country faithfully in every office he held. He will be missed. Fran and I send our condolences to his wife, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and to his grandchildren.”

Over a career that spanned decades — from Congress to the Pentagon to the White House — Dick Cheney left a lasting mark on U.S. national security and foreign policy, shaping an era that still echoes in American politics today.