Jesse Jackson Jr. in Mayo Clinic for depression

Friday, July 27, 2012

photo Rev. Jesse Jackson signs a banner as he visits a temporary memorial across the street from the Century 16 theater in Aurora, Colo., Thursday, July 26, 2012. Twelve people were killed and over 50 wounded in a shooting attack early Friday at the packed theater during a showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." Police have identified the suspected shooter as James Holmes, 24.

ROCHESTER, Minn. - The Mayo Clinic says Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is being treated for depression at its hospital in Rochester, Minn.

The hospital's statement Friday provides the first details about the congressman's whereabouts and condition since he mysteriously went on a medical leave from Congress several weeks ago.

The hospital says he's undergoing an extensive inpatient evaluation for depression and for gastrointestinal issues.

His staff initially said the Democrat was being treated for exhaustion, then later said his condition was more serious and that he'd been grappling with emotional issues. They never said where he was.

The Mayo Clinic's statement didn't address Jackson's previous whereabouts. But it said the congressman, the son of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, and his family are "grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers."