“I think I’ve read articles in the past where pilots have ordered the removal of middle eastern appearing passengers speaking Arabic, acting suspicious, and making the other passengers nervous. “
Depends on company policy. He may refuse to move the plane until certain passengers are removed but officially he is not PIC till he starts moving the aircraft for flight.
not so sure.....there was a drunk pilot sitting in the pilot’s seat, and the engines were stopped, he a got few months in jail, under the rule that he had the aircraft under his control...DWI...
Not to split hairs but I would imagine the Pilot is in command once the boarding is closed. I have no doubt he could kick off anyone he wished to. Even before the plane begins to move.