As determined by the Federal Public Prosecutor on the CSD attack

Following the attack during the Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade in Berlin, the Federal Prosecutor's Office has taken over the investigation, despite the suspected perpetrator being dead. The incident has raised questions about the roles and responsibilities of different authorities in Germany’s legal system. Typically, when a crime occurs, three entities are involved in the investigation process: the local public prosecutor’s office, the police, and the courts. Initially, the local authorities in Berlin were responsible for the investigation, as justice in Germany is primarily a state-level responsibility. This meant that the Berlin State Prosecution Service and the Berlin Police were initially in charge. A Berlin police spokesperson took over public communication immediately after the attack, with both the prosecution service and police issuing a joint press release. However, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office has since assumed control of the investigation. The Federal Prosecutor, known formally as the Generalbundesanwalt (GBA), is the highest federal authority responsible for criminal investigations. He becomes involved in specific cases, particularly when there is an initial suspicion of involvement by a terrorist organization or when the case carries particular political significance due to its nature. According to the Federal Prosecution Service, they have taken over the investigation because of a “suspected Islamist act.” Further details regarding the motives behind the attack remain under investigation. Taking over the investigation means the Federal Prosecutor can order searches or apply for arrest warrants. There is often confusion around terminology, correct terms include “Federal Prosecutor” or “Federal Prosecution Service,” while “Federal Prosecutor’s Office” is incorrect. The title “Generalbundesanwalt” refers both to the head of the office and the office itself. Currently, the head of this office is Jens Rommel, whose headquarters are located in Karlsruhe. The Federal Prosecution Service confirmed that the main suspect, Abdul B., was shot dead during an attempted arrest. Investigations into deceased individuals are not possible, but the investigation continues to look for potential accomplices or organizers. It was reported that someone was arrested shortly after the attack in Berlin, but that person has since been released. The suspicion linking the arrested individual to the attack has been refuted, according to the Federal Prosecution Service. In terrorism-related cases, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) plays a role similar to that of the police. The Federal Prosecutor can assign the BKA to conduct the investigation, which is typical in such situations. The president of the BKA is Holger Münch. The BKA evaluates evidence and conducts searches, working alongside state criminal police offices and special units like the GSG-9 when necessary. Occasionally, certain state criminal police offices are directly commissioned by the Federal Prosecution Service. With the takeover of the investigation by the Federal Prosecutor, the investigating judge at the Federal Constitutional Court has become responsible for authorizing certain investigative measures, such as searches, through court orders. Additionally, any suspects who are detained must appear before the investigating judge, who listens to their statements and decides whether to approve pre-trial detention. The position of the investigating judge at the Federal Constitutional Court is held by several judges from the Federal Constitutional Court.